Behind Closed Doors: The Quiet Relief Over Matsumoto Hitoshi’s Hiatus in Television Circles
A series of allegations of sexual assault by “Downtown” star Matsumoto Hitoshi (60), as reported by the weekly Bunshun, have sent tremors through the TV industry. Matsumoto is suing Bungei Shunju and the magazine’s editor-in-chief, seeking 550 million yen in damages. He has suspended all activities in order to concentrate on the trial. As many as seven programs in which Matsumoto regularly appears were forced to respond.
The talk variety “Matsumo to Nakai” (Fuji TV), which started in April 2011 with Matsumoto and Masahiro Nakai (51) as MCs, was renewed on February 4 to “Dareka to Nakai” with Nakai and Kazuya Ninomiya (40) of “Arashi” as new MCs. In addition, “Downtown DX” (NTV) and “Wednesday’s Downtown” (TBS) will continue with his partner Masao Hamada (60) as the sole MC. Hitoshi Matsumoto’s “Sake no Tsumami ni naru Hanashi” (Fuji) will be renewed as “Sake no Tsumami ni Naru Hanashi” with Chidori as the MC.
Matsumoto has continued to reign at the top of the comedy world. The absence of this “charismatic” figure, who has delivered many great programs and plans to the TV audience, may be a blow to the TV industry, but what I heard at …… was a surprising voice.
At least, none of the TV people around me are lamenting Matsu-chan’s absence,” said a director of a key station.
Matsu-chan is a pain in the ass. He is in a bad mood and unfriendly on the set, and even though he is the MC, he doesn’t learn much of the show’s progress. He’s not very friendly on the set, and even though he’s the MC, he doesn’t learn much about the show’s progression. Maybe that’s the way it is with all the bigwigs, but for me, his show at …… is a “hardship.
