Photo/Illutration Masahiro Nakai in 2020 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Entertainer Masahiro Nakai, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, issued a public apology for “the trouble” with a woman, but said it has been resolved and will not further interfere with his career.

The statement, posted on Nakai’s personal management agency’s website on Jan. 9, acknowledged that “a problem” had occurred, and that an out-of-court settlement had been reached with the woman through Nakai’s lawyer.

The statement said this settlement has made it possible for Nakai to continue with his entertainment career.

Nakai, 52, was a member of the hugely popular male idol group SMAP before it disbanded in 2016. Since late last year, multiple publications have reported on his alleged sexual misconduct toward a woman.

Following these accusations, several major TV networks canceled programs emceed by Nakai or cut scenes in which he appeared.

Nakai’s statement said not all of the media reports were accurate, and he stressed he was never violent toward the woman as some reports suggested.

He also denied reports that an employee of Fuji Television Network Inc. had also been involved in the incident.

Nakai said he was solely responsible for what had occurred and asked the public to refrain from prying or making accusations based on speculation.

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