Photo/Illutration Takaaki Ishibashi (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Comedian and actor Takaaki Ishibashi on April 16 apologized in a statement released through his office to a woman involved in a sexual harassment allegation at a dinner more than a decade ago.

Ishibashi was apparently mentioned in the report of a third-party committee that was investigating problems at Fuji Television Network Inc. stemming from the sexual assault of a woman by former TV personality Masahiro Nakai.

The report included a dinner involving a “prominent personality” as a “significant similar incident.”

The weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun on April 10 issue reported that Ishibashi was the “prominent personality” mentioned in the report.

The magazine said that he sexually harassed a female Fuji TV employee, with whom he had dinner with more than 10 years ago, by exposing his lower body.

Ishibashi, 63, of the comedy duo Tonneruzu, admitted to having attended the dinner described as a “significant similar incident” in the report.

In a comment issued on April 16, Ishibashi said, “I honestly don't remember, perhaps because I was deeply drunk,” but apologized, saying, “I am very sorry that I made the woman feel uncomfortable.

Ishibashi is known for playing a Japanese baseball character in the U.S. films “Major League II” and “Major League: Back to the Minors.”

On April 3, he announced that he has esophageal cancer and suspended his entertainment activities.

In the released statement, Ishibashi revealed that he had been approached by the third-party committee to attend a hearing, but he was not able to respond to the request as it coincided with the revelation of his illness.

Related News