Thursday, March 28, 2024

Japanese beauty queen barred from ceremony

Date:

Share post:

TOKYO (AP) – A Japanese beauty queen said today she has been barred from a ceremony where she was to hand over her crown to a successor after she refused to sign with a major talent agency.
Ikumi Yoshimatsu, winner of last year’s Miss International contest, has filed a criminal complaint against a top agency executive alleging obstruction of business, stalking, intimidation and extortion. She accused the executive of threatening her life after she formed her own management agency rather than use his.
A teary-eyed Yoshimatsu told reporters that the executive had threatened sponsors and shareholders and she was barred from tomorrow’s ceremony in Tokyo.
Eiichi Masunaga, official at the International Culture Association, the beauty contest’s operator, confirmed they won’t allow her to appear because they don’t want media coverage of the controversy to overshadow the event.
“We’ve asked her to voluntarily refrain from the event,” said Masunaga.
Talent agencies have huge influence over the entertainment business in Japan and industry experts say it is common for anyone who rebels against the system to be bullied and threatened.
The executive, Genichi Taniguchi, denied doing anything to Yoshimatsu and said he holds no grudges against her.
He said in a phone interview that he was not aware of the charges against him.
 

Previous article
Next article

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related articles

Water bills for March to include February charges

A few weeks ago, the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) informed customers in parts of Christ Church and St....

BWA making a connection at the Bridgetown Port

The Barbados Water Authority (BWA) informs businesses near The Shallow Draft at the Bridgetown Port that the BWA...

Beyoncé shares ‘Cowboy Carter’ tracklist

Yeehaw! Beyoncé’s new album is almost here. The singer revealed the tracklist for “Act 2: Cowboy Carter” on Instagram...

Four killed during stabbing spree in Illinois

Illinois, USA - Four people have been killed and at least five injured after a man armed with...