Organizers of Japan’s Osaka Music Circus festival have filed a criminal complaint after South Korean artist DJ Soda was allegedly sexually assaulted during her performance at the event earlier this month.
Today, DJ Soda and the festival released a joint statement on the matter. According to Japanese outlet Kyodo News, two men have now surrendered themselves to local authorities.
DJ Soda shared details from the incident early last week via Instagram, writing, “I was so shocked and scared that my hands are still shaking.”
“In order to communicate more closely with the fans, I always get closer to the fans at the end of the gig,” she wrote. “At that moment, not only one but also several people suddenly touched my chest and I was helplessly sexually harassed by them.”
DJ Soda’s post also included footage from the incident in which fans are clearly seen touching her inappropriately.
Festival organizers, TryHard Japan, responded to the incident by filing a criminal complaint to Osaka Police in an effort to identify and charge the perpetrators.
TryHard Japan Founder and CEO Rakuyo Otsuki told the Japan Times, “I am very disappointed that such an incident happened on the 10th anniversary of us holding Music Circus.”
“Our top priority in running the event is protecting the safety of both the artists and audience members,” he continued. “In this incident, a crime is a crime and if we don’t take appropriate measures, similar things may keep happening at other events.”
TryHard Japan has also confirmed that they will seek legal action against anyone smearing the artist online.
TryHard Japan COO Yoichi Hiraoka said, “Slander against DJ Soda is unacceptable and we will make it clear here that she shouldn’t be blamed for her nationality or the way she dresses.”
Featured image from DJ Soda. Credit: Royal Photography Studio.
