Video Removed, But Debate Continues Over Shun Matsuo’s Comment on Social Media Use

What is an amateur even putting out there?

“It’s like, why are amateurs even posting?”

This comment has sparked a massive backlash online.

Shun Matsuo (43) of the comedy duo Chocolate Planet made the remark in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel ChocoPura no Ura on September 10. In the video, he and his partner Shohei Nagata (45) discussed the SNS account takeover incident involving Naoki Inada (40) of the comedy duo Einstein.

Referring to the suspect who was re-arrested on September 5 for violating the Unauthorized Computer Access Law, Matsuo expressed his anger:

“It’s awful. I hope that guy is made to live the rest of his life without using any electronic devices.”

He then added:

“About what I’ve been saying regarding slander—people who aren’t celebrities or athletes shouldn’t be on SNS at all. I’ve always thought, why are amateurs posting anything?”

Nagata responded:

“If only famous people posted, trends would never start.”

But Matsuo cut him off sharply:

“Just watch, that’s all.”

He went on to suggest:

“SNS has evolved too much. Let’s go back to the days of blogs.”

To which Nagata laughed and dismissed:

“Impossible.”

Matsuo’s condescending stance that ordinary people shouldn’t post on SNS spread widely online and triggered a major uproar, with critics saying:

“He’s mocking ordinary people and completely denying freedom of speech.”

“If anyone should quit SNS, it’s the celebrities themselves.”

The video had been deleted by September 16, and the duo has not made any official statements in response.

Just deleting the video isn’t going to improve people’s impression

Even recently, celebrities like Fuwa-chan and Seiji Chihara have sparked controversy on social media. Since Matsuo described this incident as something he has always advocated, it seems more like his genuine belief than a slip of the tongue.

In September, when Nepal tried to ban social media, protests erupted, resulting in 19 deaths and over 400 injuries. The ban was eventually lifted, and the prime minister resigned. This illustrates just how integral social media has become in modern life. Claiming that only celebrities and athletes should use it is bound to provoke backlash.

“Airing a controversial celebrity on public broadcasts often leads to direct complaints to TV stations and sponsors. At the moment, we’re struggling with how to handle Choco Planet. There’s also a chance sponsors may object to future appearances. The best course of action is for them to apologize quickly and defuse the situation. Simply deleting the video leaves a very negative impression and is one reason the controversy escalated,” said a TV station insider.

Social media has many positive uses, such as during disasters, for sharing concerns, or hobbies. Many people have found encouragement from posts. The problem lies in defamation and harassment, not in ordinary people expressing themselves online.

To resolve this controversy, it is important for Choco Planet to clarify their stance directly in their own words as soon as possible.