The Japanese network Fuji Television and its parent company say its president and chairperson are resigning immediately to take responsibility for a widening sex assault scandal linked to one of Japan’s top TV celebrities.

The chairman and president of Fuji TV, one of Japan's biggest networks, have resigned in the wake of a sexual misconduct allegation against a famous TV host. Dozens of companies have pulled their advertisements from the network, which was criticised for trying to cover up the scandal.

Top brass at Japanese network giant Fuji Television and its parent company have stepped down following allegations involving Masahiro Nakai.

Japanese magazines accused Masahiro Nakai, a TV host and leader of the former boy band SMAP, of sexual misconduct. Nakai has worked for Fuji TV and other broadcasters

Fuji TV chairman Shuji Kano and president Koichi Minato stepped down to take responsibility for an alleged sexual assault by a TV host at a 2023 dinner that the Japanese network is alleged to helped organize.