Complaint
This programme examined the legacy of Johnny Kitagawa, a Japanese talent manager at the centre of a child sex abuse scandal. Β A viewer questioned a claim made by the reporter that up to one thousand men had come forward to report incidents of abuse, and argued some of the claims made against Mr Kitagawa were fabricated. Β The ECU considered whether the broadcast met the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ standards for due accuracy.
Outcome
The programme-makers explained that the one thousand figure, which was approximate, was based on numbers published by Mr Kitagawaβs own company, now known as Smile-Up, on its website. Β At the time of the broadcast it stated that 957 people had contacted the βcompensation reception deskβ. This claim was therefore in the ECUβs view well sourced and based on sound evidence. Β Viewers heard the testimony of some of those who said they had been victims of Mr Kitagawa. Β It was open to viewers to assess their evidence, and in the absence of any proof of fabrication the programme also met the standards of due accuracy required by the Editorial Guidelines in that regard.Β
Not Upheld