Members of a gaggle of males who say they had been sexually abused as boys by a Japanese leisure mogul are accusing the corporate behind the scandal, beforehand often called Johnny’s, of not being honest in coping with the victims.
Shimon Ishimaru, who represents the victims’ group, stated many haven’t but obtained compensation. The group has requested to satisfy with firm officers, however that has not occurred, he stated at a news convention with three different males who stated they had been victims.
Ishimaru is amongst a whole lot of males who’ve come ahead since final yr, alleging they had been sexually abused as teenagers by boy band producer Johnny Kitagawa. Kitagawa, who died in 2019, was by no means charged and remained highly effective within the leisure business.
The firm lastly acknowledged Kitagawa’s long-rumored abuse final yr. The firm’s chief made a public apology in May. The Japanese authorities has additionally pushed for compensation.
The firm, which has modified its title from Johnny & Associates to Smile-Up, stated Monday it has obtained requests for compensation from 939 folks. Of these, 125 have obtained compensation, it stated in a press release. The firm has arrange a panel of three former judges to look into the claims.
“We are proceeding with those with whom we have reached an agreement on payments,” it stated, whereas promising to proceed with its efforts.
It didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon Monday’s news convention.
The victims’ group stated it has been approached by dozens of people that had been informed by the corporate that there was not sufficient proof to honor their claims. Details weren’t disclosed.
The firm’s manufacturing enterprise, recognized beforehand as Johnny’s, has continued underneath a distinct title, Starto Entertainment.
According to a number of accounts, Kitagawa abused the boys in his Tokyo luxurious mansion, in addition to different locations, corresponding to his automobile and abroad lodges, whereas they had been performing as Johnny’s dancers and singers. The abuse continued for a number of many years.
The repercussions of the scandal have unfold. In standup comedy, a number of ladies have alleged sexual abuse by a well-known comedian. He has denied the allegations.
The U.N. Working Group on Business and Human Rights, which is investigating the Johnny’s abuse circumstances, is to concern a report in June, together with suggestions for change.
The Associated Press doesn’t normally establish individuals who say they had been sexually assaulted, however Kitagawa’s current accusers have given their names. Critics say what occurred and the silence of Japan’s mainstream media are indicative of how the world’s third largest economic system lags in defending human rights.
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