An independent third-party panel investigating a scandal involving Japanese celebrity Nakai Masahiro has concluded that Nakai sexually assaulted a female employee of Fuji Television Network.



The panel members held a news conference on Monday evening.



The panel's chief lawyer, Takeuchi Akira, said, "What happened to the woman during the time when she entered and left Nakai's apartment on June 2, 2023, has been determined as sexual assault by Nakai."



The conclusion is based on hearings with Nakai and the woman, conducted within the bounds of the confidentiality agreement, he added.



He said while no Fuji employees engaged in the incident, it occurred in connection with the woman's job. She is known to have been a Fuji TV employee working as an announcer. Takeuchi said the company's response was unsympathetic and victimized her for a second time.



Takeuchi also said the panel had confirmed two more similar cases. In both, a male Fuji TV employee left female employees alone with influential TV figures, which lead to sexual harassment.



He said there were four cases of harassment by the firm's executives, and that harassment, mostly sexual, prevailed in the company.



Fuji continued to put Nakai on TV after the incident. Takeuchi said it was wrong for the company to do so.



Takeuchi spoke about Fuji's handling of the scandal when it emerged. "Fuji lacked the awareness to conduct an objective investigation and explain it to the stakeholders," he said. He concluded that the company's board members bear a heavy management responsibility as they have failed to keep up with the times and update management.



Takeuchi also referred to Hieda Hisashi, who recently stepped down as executive managing advisor both at Fuji TV and its parent company.



He affirmed Hieda's strong influence on the media group and corporate cultures, since he was the center of management for a long time. Takeuchi said if asked whether Hieda should be held accountable, he would answer "yes."



Another lawyer of the panel said Hieda spoke about giving advice to the board as an advisor. But he said Hieda did not deny that he personally picked the corporation's chairman and the president.