Members of a group of men who say they were sexually abused as boys by a Japanese entertainment mogul are accusing the company behind the scandal, formerly known as Johnny's, of not being honest in its treatment of victims.
Shimon Ishimaru, who represents the victims' group, said many have yet to receive compensation. The group asked to meet with company officials, but that didn't happen, he said at a news conference with three other men who said they were victims.
Ishimaru is among hundreds of men who have come forward since last year claiming they were sexually abused as teenagers by boy band producer Johnny Kitagawa. Kitagawa, who died in 2019, was never charged and remained powerful in the entertainment industry.
The company finally acknowledged Kitagawa's long-rumored abuse last year. The head of the company issued a public apology in May. The Japanese government also pushed for compensation.
The company, which changed its name from Johnny & Associates to Smile-Up, said on Monday (January 15) that it has received claims for compensation from 939 people. Of those, 125 have received compensation, it said in a statement. The company has set up a panel of three former judges to look into the claims.
“We are continuing with those with whom we have reached an agreement on payments,” she said, promising to continue her efforts.
He did not immediately respond to a request for comment at Monday's news conference.
The victims' group said it had been approached by dozens of people who had been told by the company that there was not enough evidence to honor their claims. Details were not disclosed.
The company's production business, formerly known as Johnny's, continued under a different name, Starto Entertainment.
According to multiple accounts, Kitagawa abused the boys in his luxury mansion in Tokyo, as well as in other places, such as his car and overseas hotels, while they performed as Johnny's dancers and singers. The abuse continued for several decades.
The fallout from the scandal has spread. In standup comedy, several women have alleged sexual harassment by a famous comic. He has denied the charges.
The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, which is investigating Johnny's abuse cases, is due to issue a report in June, which will include recommendations for change.
The Associated Press does not typically identify people who say they were sexually assaulted, but Kitagawa's recent accusers have provided their names. Critics say what happened and the silence of Japan's mainstream media are indicative of how far the world's third-largest economy is lagging behind in protecting human rights.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/johnny-kitagawa-sex-scandal-accusers-criticize-talent-agency-response-1235581660/
