Matsumoto Hitoshi’s Return Raises Tensions with Senior Comedians

Downtown Matsumoto Hitoshi is coming back――.

In March of this year, Matsumoto, who had filed a lawsuit demanding 550 million yen in damages from Bunshun, the publisher of Weekly Bunshun, among others, for defamation caused by a series of reports, suddenly withdrew the lawsuit on November 8.

Matsumoto’s side emphasized in a statement:

“We have confirmed that there is no material evidence directly indicating the existence of coercion.”

While keeping the women who made the accusations in mind, Matsumoto also apologized:

“If there were women among those who participated who felt uncomfortable or were hurt, I sincerely apologize.”

He apologized.

 

From the theater with his partner, Hamada.

 

On the other hand, Bunshun released a statement under the name of Editor-in-Chief Takeda Sei, which said:

“We received contact from the plaintiff’s attorney, stating that they wanted to publicly apologize to those who were hurt, and after consulting with the women involved, we decided to agree to the withdrawal as defendants.”

The statement was made public.

Matsumoto’s agency, Yoshimoto Kogyo, made the following statement regarding his future:

“Regarding the resumption of Matsumoto Hitoshi’s activities, we will announce it as soon as it is decided, after consulting with the relevant parties.”

From the text, it seems that the resumption of activities is already a foregone conclusion, and they are in the stage of deciding on the location for his return. This has surprised entertainment reporters from sports newspapers.

“Despite the serious issue of sexual misconduct, it is unusual for them to hint so strongly at his return. I believe they are betting that the public will want to see the ‘strong individual’ that is Matsumoto Hitoshi again.”

As for the venue for his return, there was a report on November 10th in Sports Nippon that Matsumoto would appear at a theater managed by Yoshimoto Kogyo with his partner, Hamada Masatoshi, as part of Downtown. However, if Matsumoto, with his strong individuality, were to once again dominate within Yoshimoto, it could cause a significant ripple effect.