Kouhiro Kanemura - Sexual Harassment Scandal

Sexual Harassment Scandal

In January 2008, Kanemura arrived at a Big Japan Pro Wrestling show, drunk on sake. Backstage, Kanemura would go up to a young woman, who works for BJW, sending newsletter e-mails to fans. In front of all the wrestlers, Kanemura would grab a hold of her and began rubbing her vagina through her pants, while talking dirty to her in her ear. He would eventually let her go and would wrestle later that night.

In February 2008, the woman sent an e-mail, indicating the sexual harassment by Kanemura a month before. Mainstream news in Japan caught wind of the story. Two days later at a press conference, Kanemura apologized for his actions; but the damage was done: Kanemura's bookings were cancelled and he was expelled from Apache Pro Wrestling.

In March 2008, Kanemura settled out of court to prevent a sexual harassment trial. The settlement led Kanemura to apologize to the woman nine days later, and a reconciliation.