Japanese star canceled over sex payout

Major TV networks have distanced themselves from one of Japan's biggest 1990s boy band stars after media reports said he paid a woman a large settlement related to alleged sexual misconduct.

The reports, which emerged last month, said that Masahiro Nakai, a 52-year-old former member of the hugely popular group SMAP, had paid a woman a lump sum of 90 million yen (HK$4.42 million).

The amount was to settle what most media outlets have cautiously described as "sexual trouble" concerning an encounter in 2023.

Major broadcaster Fuji TV said that its weekly show hosted by Nakai was "cancelled for the time being."

The decision was taken as a result of "our comprehensive review of the situation," it said.

Similarly, a Nippon TV program co-hosted by Nakai went on air without him.

SoftBank has reportedly also decided to stop showing a commercial starring Nakai.

Media outlets allege a Fuji TV executive was involved in organizing the encounter- an allegation the broadcaster has denied.