Hashimoto Ai's agency confirms harassment claims against Sato Jirō, vows legal action

Hashimoto Ai's agency, Eden, has officially broken its silence regarding allegations of harassment against the actress by fellow actor Sato Jirō. In a statement released on the evening of July 3rd, the agency confirmed its acceptance of Fuji Television's findings concerning the incident.

Eden stated that both the agency and Hashimoto Ai have received a report from Fuji TV, which was compiled after interviews with lawyers, the involved parties, and other relevant individuals. The agency explicitly acknowledged that it "recognizes the facts reported by Fuji Television as true." Furthermore, Eden indicated that they have consulted with the police regarding multiple instances of defamation against their artist and are prepared to take civil and criminal legal action against any future illegal activities.

Fuji TV had previously issued a stern warning to Sato Jirō, demanding that such behavior cease. An external legal investigation also concluded that Sato Jirō's actions were indeed problematic. The controversy initially surfaced in "Shukan Bunshun," which reported that Sato Jirō allegedly touched Hashimoto Ai's chin during the filming of the drama 'Kyōfu: Fūfu Betsusei Keiji' and later confronted her in her dressing room, telling her she "wasn't fit to be an actor," which reportedly caused Hashimoto Ai to cry.

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The facts reported by Fuji Television are true.

Sato Jirō has vehemently denied these accusations on the social media platform X, claiming he had reached his limit and repeatedly requested to withdraw from the project. He recently posted again, asserting, "It's creating a stereotype of a fragile young woman and a typical Showa-era workplace bully!" He questioned how he could have acted in such a manner and insisted, "Please do not lie."

Sato Jirō's agency offered an explanation, stating that Hashimoto Ai's agency had informed the production team beforehand about her past trauma from harassment. However, they claimed the decision to inform Sato Jirō was left to the production team, who apparently feared it might hinder his performance. According to this explanation, Sato Jirō accidentally touched Hashimoto Ai during filming. Afterward, he visited her dressing room to discuss her suitability for continuing as an actor if she had trauma, which was misinterpreted as criticism.

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It's creating a stereotype of a fragile young woman and a typical Showa-era workplace bully! How could I possibly have done such a thing? Please do not lie.