Japanese Footballer Junya Ito Under Investigation for Alleged Sexual Assault
Detailed accounts of the sexual assault case involving Junya Ito have surfaced.
On the 31st, reports emerged that Junya Ito (32), a representative of the Japanese national soccer team, was accused of sexual assault.
As anticipated, the Japanese journal Shukan Shincho reported a detailed follow-up.
According to the victims’ testimonies, Ito met women at a restaurant near Osaka after an A-match game against Peru on June 21 last year. He allegedly got the woman drunk, took her to a hotel with a rental car, and engaged in non-consensual sexual intercourse.
One of the victims, identified as Ms. A in her 20s, recounted, “When I woke up, Ito was on me. The room was dark, but Ito’s face was right in front of my eyes. I remember that scene clearly.”
The victim added, “I overheard him talking to someone on the phone while we were in the car heading to the hotel. He said, ‘I’m about to drink with the girls at the hotel.'”
Another woman, referred to as Ms. B, also came forward with allegations of sexual assault by Ito.
Shukan Shincho attached photos of the hotel where the incident occurred.
Ms. A hired a lawyer in November last year and demanded an apology from Ito. However, Ito’s side maintains that the intercourse was consensual. They proposed a settlement payment to Ms. A, including a stipulation that she refrain from disclosing the case to the public if they reached an agreement.
Shukan Shincho requested an official statement from Ito’s side, but as of the 31st, no response has been received. Amidst this, Ito’s lawyer has resigned amidst the unfolding situation.
Shukan Shincho stated, “The testimonies of Ms. A and Ms. B are very detailed. The fact that they filed a criminal complaint, not a civil one, is significant.”
Ito, a wingback for the Japanese team and a pivotal player, was benched in the round of 16 match against Bahrain on the 31st following the news of the sexual assault accusation.
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