TOKYO — The chairman and president of Fuji TV, one of Japan's biggest networks, have resigned in the wake of a sexual misconduct allegation against a famous TV host.

Dozens of companies have pulled their advertisements from the network, which was criticized for trying to cover up the scandal.

Masahiro Nakai was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a 2023 party held by Fuji TV staff. He announced his retirement from show business last week.

The Japanese government has called on Fuji TV to regain trust from viewers and sponsors.

In a press conference on Monday, Fuji TV chairman Shuji Kano and president Koichi Minato bowed as they announced their resignations.

They apologized to the viewers as well as stakeholders for the trouble and anxiety caused in a scandal that has rocked Japan's entertainment industry.

Minato had previously confirmed that the company did not disclose Nakai's scandal despite being aware of it long before it was reported in the media.

Reports emerged last month that the TV host had paid the unnamed woman more than half a million dollars. More allegations then surfaced that a Fuji TV employee had helped to arrange the meeting.

Nakai, a former member of boy band SMAP and a household name, has denied using violence against the woman. He said on 9 January that he had "resolved" the matter with her through a settlement.

But this did little to quell public anger.

Car manufacturers Nissan and Toyota were among the companies that pulled advertising from Fuji TV.

Earlier this month, the network suspended a weekly show hosted by Nakai while other major networks have also dropped the presenter.

Fuji TV has since set up an independent committee to investigate the scandal. — BBC