STARTO Entertainment has issued a response following its unexpected inclusion in a $300 million lawsuit filed in Clark County, Nevada. The case involves allegations of sexual misconduct by Johnny Kitagawa, the late founder of Johnny & Associates (now operating as SMILE-UP.), and includes claims against executives and related parties.

The plaintiffs, Junya Tanaka (43) and Kyohei Iida (37), allege that they were subjected to sexual abuse during their time with the agency. Tanaka claims he was abused at a Las Vegas hotel in 1997 at age 15, while Iida alleges similar incidents in 2002 when he was 14. Both assert that the abuse continued during their respective tenures, with Tanaka’s lasting until 1998 and Iida’s until 2006.

In addition to SMILE-UP., the lawsuit names Kitagawa’s niece, Julie Keiko Fujishima, and other executives, accusing them of failing to intervene despite being aware of the abuse. Each plaintiff seeks $50 million in compensatory damages and $100 million in punitive damages.

STARTO Entertainment, established as a completely independent entity in November 2023, has expressed confusion over its inclusion in the lawsuit. The company stated:

"We have no capital or management ties to SMILE-UP. and no involvement with the alleged incidents. It is perplexing to be named in this case, and we deeply regret that this situation has arisen without a full understanding of our history and role."

The company confirmed that it would carefully review the complaint once officially received and respond appropriately. SMILE-UP., meanwhile, has contested the jurisdiction of the U.S. court, emphasizing that the plaintiffs reside in Japan and suggesting that the matter should not fall under American legal purview.

This lawsuit marks a significant development, as it is the first filed in the United States since SMILE-UP. publicly acknowledged Kitagawa’s misconduct in 2023. Through their lawyers, the plaintiffs have expressed a desire to raise awareness of how abuse allegations were historically suppressed in Japan, hoping the case will encourage societal change.

Since its formation, STARTO Entertainment has focused on fostering a supportive environment for its talents, distancing itself from the controversies of its predecessor. Despite this unexpected legal challenge, the company remains committed to transparency and fair practices, reinforcing its dedication to the future.

Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds. Stay tuned.