TOKYO, Jan 23 (News On Japan) –
Matsumoto Hitoshi, of the comedy duo ‘Downtown’, has filed a lawsuit in opposition to the writer Bungeishunju, in search of 550 million yen in damages over an article.
The article in query, printed in ‘Weekly Bunshun’ by Bungeishunju, included a lady’s testimony alleging that Matsumoto led her into sexual acts throughout a consuming celebration.
In response, Matsumoto has sued Bungeishunju, demanding compensation for damages and a correctional article to revive his honor, totaling 550 million yen.
Matsumoto, who has introduced a hiatus to deal with the lawsuit, denies the allegations. His legal professional said, “There is no truth to the sexual acts or coercion as described in the article. We want to clearly assert and prove that there are no facts corresponding to sexual assault.”
Meanwhile, the editorial division of Weekly Bunshun commented, “We have full confidence in our series of articles. We are currently conducting careful investigative journalism, listening to new accusers. We will not be intimidated by the lawsuit and will continue to report matters that need to be reported, as we have done in the past.”
Source: ANN