Scandal-hit Johnny's to change name, over 300 victims seek redress

Scandal-hit male talent agency Johnny & Associates Inc. said Monday it will change its name and establish a new firm to manage its performers in a bid to distance itself from late namesake founder Johnny Kitagawa, revealing that 325 of his sexual abuse victims have requested compensation.Johnny's will be renamed "Smile-Up." from Oct. 17 and will oversee the provision of redress to the victims of Kitagawa's sexual abuse, the agency's president Noriyuki Higashiyama said at a press conference.The 57-year-old veteran performer, who will remain as president of the renamed firm, said a committee …READ FULL ARTICLE