Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Two, 18 March 2024

Complaint

This programme examined the legacy of Johnny Kitagawa, a Japanese talent manager at the centre of a child sex abuse scandal.Β  Two viewers questioned a claim made by the reporter that up to one thousand men had come forward to report incidents of abuse.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 Kitagawa’s 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 β€œcompensation reception desk”. This claim was therefore in the ECU’s view well sourced and based on sound evidence. Β Β Β 

Not Upheld