TOKYO – The creative director for Tokyo's Olympic ceremonies will resign after making derogatory comments about a female Japanese comedian, in the latest headache for organisers of the virus-delayed Games.
Hiroshi Sasaki announced his decision after a report late yesterday revealed he had proposed that popular plus-size entertainer Naomi Watanabe appear at the opening ceremony dressed as a pig.
“My idea would be a huge insult to Naomi Watanabe. This can’t be taken back,” he said in a statement issued early today.
“I regret this from the bottom of my heart, and I deeply apologise to her and everyone who felt discomfort over this,” he added.
Sasaki said he had spoken to Tokyo Olympic chief Seiko Hashimoto late yesterday to inform her he would be stepping down, and will officially submit his resignation.
Tokyo 2020 has called a press conference to address the issue later today. – AFP, March 18, 2021
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