The first trial of Hitoshi Matsumoto, a member of the popular comedy duo Downtown, was held in March, in which he sought damages from the publisher of Weekly Bunshun, which published the testimony of a woman who claimed to have been sexually assaulted. Through interviews with people involved, we learned that the case will be held at the Tokyo District Court on the 28th.
Shukan Bunshun, published in December last year, reported the testimonies of two women who said they were sexually assaulted by Hitoshi Matsumoto at a hotel in Tokyo about nine years ago.
In response, Matsumoto filed a lawsuit in January against the publisher, Bungeishunju, and the editor-in-chief, demanding 550 million yen in damages and a correction of the article, claiming that his reputation had been "damaged."
Through interviews with people involved, we learned that the first hearing in this case will be held at the Tokyo District Court on March 28th.
When the lawsuit was filed, the lawyer representing Matsumoto said, ``We will clearly assert and prove that there are no facts that would constitute ``sexual assault''.''
On the other hand, the editorial department of Weekly Bunshun said, ``We have full confidence in the series of articles.We will continue to report on any matters that should be reported in the future.''
Matsumoto has been taking a break from his entertainment activities since early January as he wants to focus on the trial.