Ai Hashimoto’s camp has recently spoken up following severe online harassment she faced from online critics who targeted her, after the denial made by actor Jiro Sato that he harassed her on the set of their new Fuji TV detective drama.
Her agency EDEN Co said in a statement that they have already received a report from Fuji TV following investigations conducted with the parties involved and that they recognise the broadcaster’s account of the events.
“We have already confirmed multiple instances of excessive defamatory and abusive comments directed at our actress. We are responding to these incidents in consultation with the police. We will continue to take strict criminal and civil legal action against any unlawful conduct,” it added.
The whole issue was first reported by Shukan Bunshun on 1 July, stating that the 57-year-old actor was allegedly engaging in problematic behaviour and harassment against his 30-year-old co-star during filming of “Fufu Bessei Keiji”.
It claimed that Jiro made physical contact with Ai without her consent on multiple occasions despite her management already telling Fuji TV to restrict unscripted male physical contact. It was also reported that Jiro allegedly stormed into the dressing room twice and berated Ai Hashimoto, saying hurtful things like, “You don’t deserve to be an actress” and “If you have these restrictions, you shouldn’t be playing a married couple.”
In response, his management stated that Jiro was not informed about the restrictions and that he “accidentally touched” Ai’s chin with his hand during a scene.
The actor also took to X and stated that he had pleaded with the team during filming, saying he had reached his limit and asking to be allowed to step down from the drama.
(Photo Source: Real Sound, UDN)