Kyogo Kuruma, the rising star of Japanese comedy, recently found himself at the center of controversy following his inappropriate remarks during a live broadcast of TBS's entertainment show 'Lavit!' on December 19, 2023. The incident unfolded during the program's special segment, which featured participants engaging in a unique twist on the traditional word game of Shiritori.
During this game, which requires contestants to think quickly and articulate words with specific constraints, Kuruma inadvertently used slang considered offensive, prompting immediate backlash. The show’s host, Kawashima Akira, quickly intervened, expressing his apologies on behalf of the show. He stated, "色々とよくないです。不適切な発言があったことをおわびします。申し訳ございません" (Translation: "There are various things wrong. I apologize for the inappropriate remarks. I am very sorry").
Kuruma’s comment reportedly stemmed from him attempting to follow the game's rule of providing words ending with the syllable “n.” But instead, he used terminology associated with homelessness, which sparked bewildered reactions from both the studio audience and fellow participants. This prompted other cast members and Kawashima to swiftly caution against the word's use, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The word Kuruma used, though not officially branded as offensive by all sources, is recognized within the entertainment community as inappropriate for live broadcasts. This led to discussions about the sensitivity of language, particularly during live television segments, where the pressure of unscripted dialogue can lead to slip-ups. TBS announcer Akagi Ayumi had forewarned all contestants before the game to avoid using language unsuitable for broadcast, reiteratign the expectations of the audience.
Social media was abuzz with mixed reactions following the incident. While many criticized Kuruma's utterance, questioning his awareness of its connotation, others offered more forgiving perspectives, indicating it might have stemmed from ignorance rather than malice. Comments such as "業界的には不適切な用語として認知されているのね。知らなかった" (Translation: "I wasn’t aware it was recognized as inappropriate within the industry"), reflected at least some audience members' surprise over the term's acceptability. This led to heated discussions about generational gaps in language usage and awareness.
Aside from just the backlash Kuruma faced, the incident shines light on the broader challenges television personalities encounter today. Any slip-up can lead to immediate public scrutiny, demanding high levels of literacy and sensitivity from performers. This isn’t the first time such occurrences have stirred dialogue; there have previously been controversies on major networks, highlighting the importance of language and its impact.
For example, past incidents such as actor Takahata Atsuko’s remarks on another network made waves for similarly insensitive language. After expressing dissatisfaction about medical treatment during her appearance, she faced backlash for using metaphors deemed derogatory toward healthcare professions. Following the backlash, she too issued clarifications and apologies, emphasizing the importance of careful language.
Looking forward, Kuruma will be competing at the M-1 Grand Prix on December 22, 2023, aiming for major success amid the surrounding controversy. His popularity has surged since winning the previous iteration of the competition, yet this latest incident may serve as both a cautionary tale and stepping stone for his future on stage.
Despite the unfortunate incident, Kuruma’s talent shines through, and many fans continue to rally support for him, stating sentiments like "I love Kuruma, I don’t want him to stop!" This mixed response indicates the complex dynamics of public perception and the weight of accountability for public figures today.
Eric Bridge, the press spokesperson for the show, expressed optimism for Kuruma's future on stage, citing the need to learn from such mistakes. He noted, "Comedians walk tightropes every day; as audiences shift, so too must our vocabulary to reflect sensitivity and respect."
While the entertainment industry grapples with the repercussions of language choices, Kuruma's incident serves not only as a moment of reflection but as a reminder of the evolution of social conversation, especially for those catapulted beneath the spotlight. Fans will now watch closely, hoping to see how he matures from this experience and the message it conveys to future generations of performers.
