TOKYO (AP) — The president and chairperson of Japanese network Fuji Television have resigned over a widening sex assault scandal linked to one of Japan's top TV celebrities.

Fuji TV's Chairman and President have resigned over the handling of the sexual misconduct scandal involving TV presenter Masahiro Nakai.

Koichi Minato has been the target of criticism following the revelation that he became aware of the incident involving Nakai right after it occurred in June 2023.

Koichi Minato, president of Fuji Television, resigned with immediate effect, while Shuji Kano, chairman of both Fuji Television and its parent company, Fuji Media Holdings, also stepped down. Kenji Shimizu, executive vice-president of Fuji Media Holdings, will take over as president of the television network.

The Japanese government said Thursday it has pulled advertisements from Fuji Television in the wake of sexual assault allegations lodged against its celebrity host, as the company slashed profit forecasts.

This alleged sex scandal is another dark chapter for Japan’s entertainment industry, which has not recovered from the Johnny & Associates abuse revelations in 2023. View on euronews

Japanese magazines accused Masahiro Nakai, a TV host and leader of the former boy band SMAP, of sexual misconduct. Nakai has worked for Fuji TV and other broadcasters