Hitoshi Matsumoto vs. Bunshun: Reconciliation Hinges on “Ms. A’s Feelings”
A person involved in the comedy industry said
The longer the trial drags on, the further away Mr. Matsumoto’s comeback will be. In the fast-changing entertainment industry, it is understandable that even someone in Matsumoto’s class would feel uneasy. Bunshun is also Bunshun, and there is no merit in putting manpower into the trial. It is understandable that both parties want to settle the case.
He continued, “However, both sides are willing to reach a compromise.
However, a settlement cannot be reached unless both sides can find a compromise. Usually, in defamation trials, the court proposes a settlement after a series of oral arguments, but this is before that point.
What cannot be avoided in the settlement proposal is the “feelings” of Ms. Ako, who claims to have been harmed.
Settlement does not mean immediate return to TV
The basis of the series of Bunshun reports is Ms. Ako’s accusations, and she is prepared to appear as a witness.
The plaintiff is Matsumoto Hitoshi and the defendant is Bungei Shunju, but I don’t think the adults can settle the case on their own. Bungeishunju has been close to Ms. A’s feelings of victimization and has come this far. We cannot just settle with Ms. Matsumoto and say, ‘Well, that’s that. At the very least, the terms of the settlement will probably include some kind of “statement of opinion” by Mr. Matsumoto to Ms. Ako. How will Ms. A. judge that? Only after that is cleared will there be a settlement.
The two sides are in direct conflict with each other, and it will not be easy to find a settlement. The settlement is not easy to reach. Fans are hoping for a return to TV by the end of the year, but depending on their views on Ms. Ako, their sentiments may change drastically.
In principle, the details of the settlement will not be made public, but if she wants to return to TV, there will be calls from program sponsors for confirmation of the details. If the content of the settlement is in violation of the compliance rules, then no matter how much they have settled the case, they will not be able to return to work immediately.
Matsumoto has remained silent. Will we ever hear the “truth” from his mouth?
