A panel of lawyers hired by Fuji Television Network and its parent has concluded that celebrity Nakai Masahiro sexually assaulted a female employee in connection with her job.



The panel presented a report to the boards of directors of Fuji TV and its parent Fuji Media Holdings Monday.



A scandal broke out in December last year when a weekly magazine said that Nakai, who works with Fuji, had paid a settlement to the woman in 2023.



The publication initially reported that a senior Fuji official invited the woman to a party where she had a problem with Nakai. It later corrected the article to say that Nakai invited her.



The panel report did not confirm that a senior official played a part in the invitation.



As for Fuji TV and its parents' handling of the matter, the report says it did not live up to standards for management decisions.



It also blames then-Fuji President Minato Koichi and two other executives for failing to understand the grave nature of sexual violence and to provide the victim with support.



The report also cites the decades-long influence on the media group of Hieda Hisashi. He recently stepped down as executive managing advisor both at Fuji TV and its parent.



The report says Hieda's effect on management is due to his achievements and involvement with senior executives. It also says he had a large impact on creating the corporate culture.



However, it argues that Hieda is not solely to blame for the lack of awareness of sexual and other forms of harassment, saying that the atmosphere was created through words and actions of all senior officials.



The report says the board directors bear huge responsibility.