STARTO Fires timelesz Member Over Assault, Group Holds Apology Presser
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
STARTO ENTERTAINMENT (formerly Johnny & Associates) has terminated the contract of 25-year-old timelesz member Shuta Inemaru after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. The incident occurred on September 18 when Inemaru reportedly struck a 26-year-old woman multiple times in the face at a convenience store parking lot in Tokyo's Koto Ward, causing nose injuries. The seven remaining timelesz members held an apology press conference at Fuji TV on October 1, with member Fuma Kikuchi strongly condemning violence against women.
Key Points
- Inemaru was arrested by the Tokyo Bayside Police Station on September 19 on suspicion of bodily harm
- The alleged assault took place at approximately 10:30 PM on September 18 at a convenience store parking lot in Tatsumi, Koto Ward, Tokyo
- STARTO announced on October 1 that its board of directors decided on September 29 to terminate Inemaru's exclusive contract, effective September 30
- Inemaru joined timelesz in February 2025 through the audition project "timelesz project," making his career span approximately 592 days
- Kikuchi expressed anger at the violence, stating the members found the behavior "unacceptable under any circumstances"
Why It Matters
The swift termination reflects STARTO's zero-tolerance approach to scandals following years of controversy over Johnny Kitagawa's abuse allegations. The incident has already resulted in all scenes featuring Inemaru being cut from dramas and variety shows, effectively ending his entertainment career in Japan . Hong Kong fans of Japanese idol groups will watch closely as other agencies reassess their own crisis management protocols.
The swift termination reflects STARTO's zero-tolerance approach to scandals following years of controversy over Johnny Kitagawa's abuse allegations. The incident has already resulted in all scenes featuring Inemaru being cut from dramas and variety shows, effectively ending his entertainment career in Japan . Hong Kong fans of Japanese idol groups will watch closely as other agencies reassess their own crisis management protocols.