Weekly Bunshun: Why the ‘A and X Affair’ Leak Is Unlikely

A new “Bunshun bomb” has exploded regarding Matsumoto Hitoshi from Downtown. 

The July 11 issue of “Weekly Bunshun” reported that Matsumoto Hitoshi’s side was involved in “sabotage” concerning the testimony of A, who accused him of sexual misconduct.

In response, Matsumoto’s lawyer, Masahiro Tashiro, strongly rejected these claims, adding a new twist to the ongoing “Matsumoto vs. Bunshun” conflict.

The key figure is “Mr. X,” who has been supporting A through her ongoing issues and has helped her despite her uncertain life situation.

Tashiro attempted to contact Mr. X, allegedly trying to persuade A to withdraw her testimony through him. Tashiro has denied these claims.

There are even descriptions that make one tilt their head in confusion.

 

This refers to Tashiro’s mention of an affair between A and Mr. X. 

Weekly Bunshun reports that after Tashiro’s request to withdraw A’s testimony was rejected, he casually said:

“By the way, Mr. X is having an affair with A. The magazine plans to write an article about it. I can stop the article if you’d like. What should we do?”

It is reported that he used this as leverage.

 

 

On the other hand, Tashiro’s statement regarding Mr. X is:

“There are media outlets that want to write about the affair between you and the woman. Just wanted to let you know in case you weren’t aware.”

 

This phrasing seems to present the information as a gesture of goodwill. Both Mr. X and A have firmly denied the affair.

The common point in both Bunshun’s and Tashiro’s perspectives is:

“Some magazine is attempting to report on the affair between Mr. X and A.”

Is such a thing actually possible?

Regarding this, those within the media would likely say.

“Such an article cannot be published.”

They would likely say.

The reasons are clear: First, both A and Mr. X are private individuals. Second, A’s affair allegations are unrelated to Matsumoto’s sexual misconduct issues. Even if the affair were true, there is no public interest in reporting it.

“Even if a magazine were to report on the affair, it could cast a negative light on a woman who is already alleging sexual abuse. This poses a significant human rights issue.

Given the current climate, such matters are handled with utmost care. There are also legal risks. Even if a story were perfectly sourced, a reputable media outlet would likely choose not to report it.”

That kind of assertion comes from an entertainment reporter at a sports newspaper. 

“A magazine company is trying to write an article about an affair.”

From the perspective of media professionals, the idea itself is considered impossible. 

 

According to Bunshun, after that, as predicted by lawyer Tashiro, a representative from a women’s weekly magazine came to X with an article about an affair.

 

“If Bunshun’s report is true, it means that they were talking about a story that could not actually be reported as if it were going to come out, which could be considered ‘intimidation.’” (sports newspaper reporter)

 

Lawyer Tashiro’s side claims they were completely unaware of the weekly magazine’s actions and had no involvement in them.

 

Additionally, on the 11th, Tashiro responded to media inquiries, reporting that they had identified Ms. A. He also hinted at the possibility of filing a civil suit against Bunshun for making baseless accusations.

 

The next court date in the Matsumoto vs. Bunshun case is scheduled for August 14. One thing is certain: things are starting to get suspicious.