Marie Speaks on Nakai Issue and Her Current Thoughts

Confessed to sexual abuse by a major celebrity in 2021

In the entertainment industry, Masahiro Nakai’s (52) “900 million yen trouble” has caused a big stir. Do you remember a case from four years ago when a female talent accused a major celebrity of sexual abuse?

Marie (37), a fashion model and sustainable designer, made a shocking revelation about sexual abuse during an Instagram live on April 4, 2021.

She began by sharing that, in 2011, a famous comedian who had retired called her out to a drinking party when she was 18 years old and suggested a sexual relationship, saying, “Let’s do it.” There were also popular comedians at the event, who reportedly encouraged her by saying, “Go ahead, do it.” Marie tearfully expressed her anger, saying, “It’s really unforgivable that this comedian is still appearing in corporate commercials.”

Three days before, she had tearfully confessed on her Instagram live that she had struggled with an eating disorder for over 10 years since she was 18, and the cause was the compensated dating she experienced.

The video was quickly taken down, but it spread rapidly online, causing a huge ripple. However, the accused major comedian remained silent, and a statement from the popular comedian’s agency denied the allegations, claiming they were false. As a result, the issue quickly died down.

 

An important issue that needs to be spread

“Looking back now, it seems that the case was a pioneering issue in the ‘Me Too’ movement, but at the time, the media, including major newspapers, were reluctant to cover such allegations. If there had been formal criminal charges or police involvement, they might have reported it more actively. However, considering that a highly popular comedian was involved, it’s possible that the media refrained from reporting due to concerns about the talent agency or sponsors,” said the previously mentioned reporter.

Of course, it’s impossible to simply equate Nakai’s issue with Marie’s case. The Nakai case involves a sexual assault that took place in a private setting with only the victim and the perpetrator. In contrast, Marie’s case occurred at a drinking party with a large group of comedians, among other differences.

However, there are many similarities. In the Nakai case, the involvement of a Fuji TV employee is suspected, and the industry’s organizational culture likely played a role in the underlying issues. In Marie’s case, several comedians allegedly acted by not stopping the prominent comedian’s actions and even egging him on, which also points to the influence of the entertainment industry’s culture. In both cases, the victims developed PTSD from the mental trauma and struggled to publicly disclose the truth.

With the attention brought to Nakai’s issue, Marie’s past statement is again drawing attention on social media, with many showing support by saying things like, “At the time, there were many who denied Marie’s claims, but it was truly a courageous statement,” and “This is an important issue that should be spread.”

What does Marie think about her past comments receiving attention now due to the recent reports? At the end of January, we reached out to her agency for an interview request. While the agency declined, we received a thoughtful reply from Marie herself. With her permission, we are now sharing her full response below.

 

“We are still fighting.”

“First, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to the individuals who have suffered, as well as to everyone around the world who shares the same pain. I pray for your safety and for the swift restoration of peace in your hearts.

I carefully considered the interview request I received, but after reflecting on my current situation and feelings, I regret to inform you that I cannot participate in this interview at this time.

What I truly wish for is the creation of a society where the same pain and suffering will never be repeated.

Incidents, accidents, disasters, conflicts, sexual violence, and environmental destruction—these may seem to occur in places unrelated to ourselves. However, they are all connected.

As each of us moves forward into the future, it is our role to think about how we accept what is happening now and how we can reflect that in the next generation.

The message I shared in 2021 was filled with my heart’s desires and is all true, and since then, I have been fighting through days of fear. I am still fighting.

Since that live broadcast, the slander, reverse cancel culture, and the silent effect have become further obstacles and wounds for me. I would like to refrain from adding further words at this stage. My hope is that this issue does not fade away as a temporary topic, but leads to constructive discussions and actions for the future.

At the same time, such phenomena can act as a deterrent for victims who raise their voices, and it is a very serious social issue. I believe that proper support and social understanding are urgently needed.”

How will the individuals labeled as perpetrators perceive her message?