Japanese comic and TV character Hitoshi Matsumoto, who just lately confronted {a magazine} report over his sexual habits, will go on hiatus, his managing firm stated Monday, underscoring his intention to “focus on the trial.”
Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings Co earlier denied a report in December by Shukan Bushun weekly journal that Matsumoto, 60, compelled a number of girls into sexual actions in 2015, saying the article broken his fame.
“I would like to go on hiatus as I will not be able to dedicate myself to comedy as I currently do while simultaneously engaging with the trial,” Matsumoto, one half of fashionable comedy duo “Downtown,” stated, in accordance with the leisure company.
Matsumoto is an envoy for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka.
© KYODO