It has been revealed that comedian Matsumoto Hitoshi of the Downtown comedy duo plans to withdraw his lawsuit against Shukan Bunshun, in which he sought damages for defamation in a weekly magazine article. On January 8, 2024, Downtown's Matsumoto Hitoshi tweeted on social media, "It's groundless, so I'm going to fight." He had been seeking damages for defamation in Shukan Bunshun's report of his sexual assault, but on November 8, it was revealed that he plans to withdraw the lawsuit. The incident began with an article published by Shukan Bunshun in December 2023. In 2015, two women who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by Matsumoto Hitoshi at a hotel in Tokyo were reported. One of the women there claimed that she was left alone with Matsumoto in a bedroom and was suddenly forced into sexual acts, including being kissed. In response to this report of the alleged sexual assault, Matsumoto declared on social media, "It's groundless, so I'm going to fight." He then suspended all entertainment activities in order to do his best in the lawsuit against Shukan Bunshun. Yoshimoto Kogyo gave the following explanation: Yoshimoto Kogyo's comment: Matsumoto has requested that he first confront the various articles and focus on the trial. If he continues his entertainment activities, he will cause even more trouble and burden to many related parties and co-stars, and at the same time, he will not be able to devote all his energy to comedy as he has done in the past while he is in the courts. Since he has expressed a strong desire to suspend his activities for the time being, we have taken into consideration various circumstances and decided to respect his wishes. Matsumoto has filed a lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court against Bungeishunju, the publisher of Shukan Bunshun, and its editor-in-chief, seeking 550 million yen in damages and a correction of the article, claiming that his reputation was damaged by the report. Ahead of the trial, Matsumoto has made the following comment. Matsumoto Hitoshi's comment (from Yaesu Law Office): I have always aspired to make people laugh. I am simply confused, frustrated, and saddened by the absurdity of so many people being unable to laugh at me, my innocent juniors being dragged into it, and my claims being drowned out and not accepted. I hope the truth will be conveyed to the public and I can come back as soon as possible. The comment begins with the sentence "I have always aspired to make people laugh," which seems to be a reference to my name. I also wrote that I want to come back as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Shukan Bunshun also published a memoir by Ms. A, who was allegedly sexually assaulted, and the claims of both sides were in direct conflict. And about three months have passed since Matsumoto suspended her activities. The first oral argument was held on March 28th. There was a long line of people hoping to observe the trial at the Tokyo District Court. In her complaint, Matsumoto said, "The article was based on extremely sloppy reporting that only featured one-sided statements. If I am labeled as 'forcing sexual acts,' it will significantly lower my social standing." After filing the lawsuit in January 2024, Matsumoto temporarily stayed overseas. After that, he had been holding meetings in preparation for the trial, but he did not appear in court on this day. On the other hand, Shukan Bunshun argued in court that "all of the sexual acts without consent that Ms. A and Ms. B received from the plaintiff, as reported in this article, are true," and asked for the claim to be dismissed. The Bunshun side maintained a strong stance throughout, submitting 20 pieces of evidence. The next hearing was scheduled for August, but was postponed. According to people involved, Matsumoto's side and Shukan Bunshun's side had been in discussions with the aim of reaching a settlement, but they were unable to reach an agreement. The next hearing was scheduled to be held on November 11th. With the hearing approaching in three days, it was learned on the 8th that Matsumoto was planning to withdraw his lawsuit against Shukan Bunshun. According to people involved, it was Matsumoto's side that proposed withdrawing the lawsuit. Negotiations behind the scenes had been going on for several months. And Bunshun accepted the condition that Matsumoto apologize to the woman. What kind of explanation will Matsumoto give to the fans and people involved who have been watching the trial about this case? FNN Prime Online https://www.fnn.jp/