Taichi Saito, also known as “Taichi-kun,” the former partner of popular influencer Yurinya who is active on platforms like TikTok, has been accused of sexually assaulting Shuna Amamiya, a former member of the idol group “Pretty Chuu.” While publicly denying the allegations on social media, it has been revealed that he is privately negotiating a settlement through a lawyer for 500,000 yen (approximately $3,330).
Contradictory Public and Private Responses
On August 5, controversial livestreamer KoreKore posted screenshots on X (formerly Twitter) of messages exchanged between Amamiya and a person believed to be Saito’s legal representative. KoreKore pointed out, “He’s denying the accusations on social media, but behind the scenes, he’s trying to settle it with hush money.”
Saito previously released a public statement, strongly denying the accusations: “Non-consensual sex, forced intercourse, the use of sleeping pills, choking, and bleeding during sex—these are all baseless lies,” he said, asserting that the act was “entirely consensual.”
Victim’s Testimony and Current Status
On August 1, Amamiya shared the details of her traumatic experience on X: “There’s no way I would’ve given permission. But I couldn’t resist. I couldn’t even speak, just kicked my legs while he choked me. It was unbelievably painful, and there was blood on the mattress,” she wrote in a harrowing post.
She added, “I really just loved Yurinya and was staying over for that reason. I hope it’s clear I had absolutely no romantic interest in him. I just wanted to be an idol—that’s all.” Amamiya has since filed a police report regarding the incident.
Saito’s Contradictory Behavior
While Saito admitted to having an inappropriate relationship, saying, “I deeply regret the infidelity and sincerely apologize to Yurinya,” he continued to deny any wrongdoing regarding sexual assault. He argued, “The act began with a kiss initiated by the woman. I made a momentary mistake, and afterward, she continued to ask to stay over multiple times.” Saito also released their private message exchanges as so-called “evidence.”
However, the fact that he was simultaneously denying the allegations publicly while pursuing a private settlement through legal channels has raised serious concerns about his credibility.
Legal Expert Opinions
Legal professionals have criticized the contradictory behavior. “Claiming innocence publicly while seeking a settlement privately is highly suspicious,” one expert said. “If he were truly innocent, there would be no need for a financial settlement. This could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.”
Wider Impact on the Influencer Industry
This incident has sent shockwaves through the influencer community, especially given Taichi’s position as the partner of Yurinya, who has over 2 million followers. The case is being viewed as an abuse of power within a producer-idol dynamic, sparking broader conversations about structural issues within the industry.
As Amamiya has formally filed a police report, a criminal investigation is expected to proceed. Public attention is now focused on how Saito’s two-faced approach may influence the upcoming legal proceedings.
