Johnny's news conference moderator admits to journalist blacklist

TOKYO, Oct 07 (NHK) - The moderator of a recent news conference held by talent agency Johnny & Associates admits that he had a list of journalists who were not allowed to ask questions.

But Matsumoto Kazuya issued a statement on Friday that said he ignored the list and did not use it while choosing questioners.

Nearly 300 journalists attended the news conference in Tokyo on Monday at which the talent agency responded to sexual abuse allegations by its late founder, Johnny Kitagawa.

Each media outlet was allowed to ask one question. Matsumoto chose journalists from among those who raised their hands.

But later it emerged that the consultancy chosen by the agency to manage the event had drawn up a list of journalists to be avoided during the question and answer session.

The list contained journalist's names and photos, so that the moderator could identify who to ignore.

In his written comments, Matsumoto admitted the list had been given to him from a staffer about 30 minutes before the event, and that he had been informed of where the blacklisted journalists were seated. ...continue reading

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