Nagano Mei's agency: "There is no truth to the rumors of a relationship" They deny the cheating reports with Tanaka Kei, saying "The actions may have led to misunderstandings... we will be strict."

 

Actress Nagano Mei (25) has been reported by Weekly Bunshun to be involved in a "love triangle affair" with actor Tanaka Kei (40). The other person involved is referred to as a "Korean actor." In a response to Sponichi, Nagano's agency stated, "Tanaka-san and Kim Mu-jun are senior colleagues and friends in the acting industry, and there is no truth to the rumors of a relationship. However, we have sternly communicated to Nagano that her actions may have led to misunderstandings. We deeply apologize for causing concern and trouble to the parties involved, including clients, staff, and fans supporting her."

Tanaka's agency also responded to inquiries, saying, "We recognize that there is no truth to the affair."

Nagano and Tanaka co-starred in the 2021 film Soshite, Baton wa Watasareta (And Then the Baton Was Passed), playing father and daughter.

Source: Yahoo News

Comments: 

1. From now on, it seems unlikely that Nagano Mei will be cast as a pure and innocent actress. She’ll either embrace the role of a "bad girl" or fade out as an actress. It reminds me of the scandal involving Becky. Before her cheating scandal, she had a very high favorability rating, but that dropped drastically afterward, and we stopped seeing her on TV as much. She ended up pivoting to a character where she embraced her past mistakes. While Nagano's lack of caution is obviously a problem, her agency also failed in crisis management.

2. They acknowledge the "behavior," but deny there was any "relationship." Personally, I think it's okay to accept that actresses, too, have their off days, go out drinking, or let loose a little for personal enjoyment as long as it ends there. However, it's a problem when people get hurt, or when someone with a partner crosses a line and damages their partner's heart. Every time something like this is reported, even if the actor is performing brilliantly in their job, they start to look tainted. As entertainers, their job is to inspire dreams in their audience, so they should try to have fun in a clean, respectable way.

Also, I've noticed a tendency among some actresses who got their start as heroines in NHK's morning dramas, where they try to break away from their "pure," "serious," and "hardworking" image by pushing an overly bold or wild fashion style or making extreme statements. I feel like Nagano Mei has this tendency too, but I think she’d be better off just living a more simple, straightforward life.

3. There’s already a photo of her holding hands with a married man that’s been leaked, so I think any excuse she gives is hard to believe. Also, it seems like Bunshun has obtained details like the spare key (/Tanaka has allegedly a spare key to Nagano's apartment) and audio recordings, so it might be wise for her to come clean about everything now.

4. CM contracts usually include "cancellation and penalty clauses," meaning that if any issues arise, the sponsors will ask for an explanation. There likely won't be any problems with the playful involvement with the Korean actor, but if the affair with Tanaka Kei turns out to be true, even if the agency covers the penalty, she’ll probably lose her major income source from CM deals. As a result, her career as an actress could be nearly over.

5. I wonder how each sponsor will respond. These days, there’s a very strict stance on affairs. If the rumors are true, many sponsors will likely pull their support immediately. Even if the agency denies it, Bunshun will probably reveal even more details. It seems like a lack of awareness on her part, but does this mean her acting career is essentially over?

6. I saw the photo of them holding hands on X, and I think it's impossible to claim there's no relationship—anyone can see that. It seems the agency is sticking to the stance of denying everything, but I understand why, since Nagano Mei is such a hot star right now. However, no matter how much they deny it, she probably won't be able to maintain the same level of popularity she had before. Personally, I’m not the type to criticize others’ affairs, but if she knew it was an affair and still went along with it, she should just honestly admit it.

7. When Bunshun confronted Kei Tanaka directly, his reaction totally screamed "guilty," so I think Nagano's statement is pointless. With how big of a deal cheating scandals are these days, I wonder where they got the confidence to think they'd be fine...

8. She’s the type of girl who rides a Harley, so that whole “pure image” thing might just be for show — maybe she’s actually got more of a tough, masculine side. When she had that issue with Egashira, I bet her agency was already involved, so those tears might’ve come from feeling emotionally unstable.

9. First of all, if it’s really baseless, then go ahead and sue. Take legal action. I wonder what she’ll say on her radio show. Will she cry, try to gain sympathy, vaguely criticize the tabloids, and deny the cheating or love triangle?

Up until now, maybe the agency has always covered for her no matter what she did in private, but this time the reports are way too detailed.

I kinda feel bad for Korean actor Kim Mu-jun, who had no idea and was going over to Mei Nagano’s place.