On the 25th, Downtown 's Hitoshi Matsumoto was sued by his publisher Bungeishunju and the editor-in-chief of Shukan Bunshun for around 500 million yen for defamation due to a report in "Weekly Bunshun" alleging that he had forced a woman to perform sexual acts. Ahead of the first oral argument (March 28) in a lawsuit seeking compensation of 10 million yen, he announced his feelings in writing through his agent.

Three people represented him, including attorney Masahiro Tashiro of Yaesu Sogo Law Office. The document is written under the name `` Downtown Hitoshi Matsumoto.'' The same text was also posted on the official website of Yaesu Sogo Law Office.

[Full text of Matsumoto's comment below]

I've always wanted to make people laugh.

Many people can no longer laugh at themselves,

I am simply confused, frustrated, and saddened by the absurdity of my innocent juniors being dragged into this situation and my claims being drowned out and unacceptable.

I want to convey the truth to the world and do comedy as soon as possible.

Downtown Hitoshi Matsumoto