Society

U.N. group says people abused by late Japanese boy band producer deserve apologies and compensation

TOKYO, Aug 05 (AP) - The men who came forward to allege they were sexually abused as teenagers by Japanese boy band producer Johnny Kitagawa now have a powerful listener: the United Nations.

Damilola Olawuyi, chair of the U.N. Working Group on Business and Human Rights, told reporters Friday the number of victims may total several hundred, and he accused Japan’s mainstream media of standing silent about the alleged abuse for decades.

Olawuyi raised serious questions about the sincerity of the response from the talent agency Kitagawa founded, Johnny & Associates. He urged other entertainment industry players to carry out a “transparent and legitimate investigation with a clear timeline.”

A full report is set to be presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council in June, which will include recommendations for change.

The men who have come forward say Kitagawa abused them in his Tokyo luxury mansion, as well as other places, such as his car and overseas hotels, while performing as dancers and singers. ...continue reading

by YURI KAGEYAMA, Associated Press

Source: テレ東BIZ

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