[Breaking News] Aぇ! group member Richard Keita Kusama arrested on suspicion of public indecency for allegedly exposing himself in Shinjuku, Tokyo

1. What Happened (News Summary)

In the early hours to the morning of October 4th (Saturday), multiple TV and web media outlets reported the arrest of Keita Kusama Richard (29) from "Aぇ! group." According to Fuji TV's report, shortly after 5:30 AM, he was suspected of exposing his lower body near the entrance of a building in Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, and police officers rushed to the scene following a witness report and took him into custody. The Metropolitan Police Department has not disclosed whether he admits to the charges. Additionally, there is information that he was believed to be intoxicated. FNN Prime Online

Similarly, TBS's breaking news also reported that he was arrested on suspicion of public indecency, with the location being Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. TBS NEWS DIG

2. Office and Official Response

The agency STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, in response to the arrest report, stated that they are "currently confirming the facts." As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding any disciplinary actions or future activities. Kahoku Shimpo Online

3. Immediate Impact on Programs, Streaming, and Advertising

Following the arrest report, there were also movements such as the suspension of new program streaming. As part of risk management based on programming, sponsor response, and guidelines, measures such as temporary suspension of streaming, replacement of appearances, and updating of promotional materials are generally taken, and similar provisional responses have been confirmed in this case. Kahoku Shimpo Online

Additionally, Kusama has been appearing on Nippon TV's "The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!" since 2019, and there is interest in the response from the program and the station. There have been past instances where program operations were shaken due to scandals involving cast members, and there is a possibility of short-term occurrences such as reviewing the production system and reorganizing some projects. Sponichi Sponichi Annex

4. What is the Charge of "Public Indecency"?

Article 174 of the Penal Code defines "public indecency" as an act that is punishable when performed in a situation where it can be recognized by unspecified or numerous people. Typically, performing obscene acts in a public place, such as exposing genitals, are considered typical examples, and the situation at the scene, the content of the report, the presence of witnesses or security cameras, the intent of the person, and the degree of intoxication are key points in the investigation and judgment. Sentencing is individually determined based on the nature of the case, prior convictions, and the level of remorse. ※The specific admission or statements, and evidence related to this case have not been disclosed, and the presumption of innocence principle applies.

5. Impact Analysis: Group, Label, Industry

• Group Activities: A temporary review of activity plans, appearance adjustments, and reconsideration of the timing for releasing audio and video content are expected.

• Label/Distribution: Short-term fluctuations may occur in the handling of music videos and variety clips, exposure in algorithms, and recommendation controls.

• TV/Radio: Replacement of performers, editing of recorded content, and consideration of postponing related programs.

• Advertising/Tie-ups: Temporary suspension of postings and creative replacements based on the brand's code of conduct.

• Live/Events: Schedule adjustments, and preparation for customer responses (FAQ, announcements, refund policies) in case of refunds or changes in composition.

• Fan Community: In a situation where information can easily become confused, it is important to verify primary information and suppress defamation.

※These are general observations, and final decisions should follow official announcements from the agency and related parties.

6. Information Literacy: Presumption of Innocence and Prevention of Secondary Harm

• Presumption of Innocence: Until indictment and conviction, it is at the "suspicion" stage. Avoid definitive expressions and personal attacks.

• Secondary Harm: Strictly refrain from excessive probing and spreading of rumors about the individual, their family, members, and related parties.

• Clarification of Sources: Confirm the source and update time of the report. Prioritize primary reports for citations.

• SNS Management: Screenshots and cropped spreads can lead to misunderstandings, so guide to primary information via links.

7. Future Outlook (General Flow)

1. Confirmation of Facts (Police and Agency)

2. Understanding of Admission and Circumstances (Including responses with a lawyer present)

3. Policy on Disciplinary Actions (Self-restraint, contract measures, recurrence prevention measures, etc.)

4. Programming and Distribution Decisions (Replacement, editing, temporary suspension, consideration of return timing)

5. Explanation to Fans, Sponsors, and Media (FAQ, statements, Q&A)

※The decision on whether and when to return will be made comprehensively considering the nature of the case, social impact, the individual's remorse, and the effectiveness of recurrence prevention measures.

8. Summary

This case is at the stage where the arrest has been reported, and the investigation, judicial procedures, and the policy of the affiliated agency will be revealed in due course. As the news is updated continuously, it is important to follow calmly based on highly reliable primary information. Readers, fans, and related parties should keep in mind the principles of presumption of innocence and avoidance of secondary harm while waiting for official announcements and follow-up reports. Sponichi Sponichi Annex+3FNN Prime Online+3TBS NEWS DIG+3

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