Tatsuya Yamaguchi announced his exit from the band on Wednesday, days after admitting to forcibly kissing a teenage girl in February.
- May 3, 2018
AceShowbiz - Japanese pop band Tokio has become a quartet after one member quit following his sexual harassment confession. Singer Tatsuya Yamaguchi announced his exit from the line-up on live TV on Wednesday, May 02, days after admitting to forcibly kissing a teenage girl in February.
The high school student reported the incident to police, but authorities decided not to pursue charges against 46-year-old Yamaguchi after the two parties reached an out-of-court settlement, reports The Associated Press.
During the press conference, Tokio frontman Shigeru Joshima revealed the remaining bandmembers plan to continue as a foursome, insisting they have a duty to fans "as professionals."
The Tokio stars had previously been tapped to serve as "special ambassadors" for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It is not yet known if the scandal has affected the band's role in the forthcoming Summer Games.
