TBS Apologizes for Hirosue Ryoko Joke on TV Show

Why this matters: The incident raises important questions about ethical considerations in comedy and the responsibility of broadcasters to avoid causing harm or offense, especially when dealing with sensitive personal matters. It also highlights the potential repercussions for networks that fail to exercise proper judgment.

The controversy arose during the 'All-Star Thanksgiving' broadcast when a quiz question referenced Hirosue Ryoko's car accident, specifically mentioning a reported speed of 165 km/h. The actress's agency responded with strong condemnation, asserting that the joke was highly inappropriate and damaging to her reputation, particularly given her previously announced diagnosis of bipolar disorder and hyperthyroidism and current hiatus from entertainment activities to focus on recovery.

The incident is not the first time 'All-Star Thanksgiving' has faced criticism. Past controversies include the 'Tokyo 03 intimidation incident' in 2009, a mini-marathon incident in 2018 where a comedian's antics overshadowed a Kenyan runner, and a research failure in 2020 that led to an unintended winner in a race. These incidents underscore the challenges of live broadcasting and the importance of thorough preparation and sensitivity.

How to Prepare: Broadcasters can learn from this incident by:

Who This Affects Most: This affects celebrities, their families, and anyone who has experienced a personal tragedy that is then trivialized for public amusement.

The agency considered the joke inappropriate and damaging to Hirosue Ryoko's reputation, especially given her health condition.

TBS issued an official apology for the joke.

No, the show has faced criticism for several incidents in the past.

The TBS apology highlights the importance of sensitivity in entertainment. Key takeaways include:

Do you think the TV network was right to apologize? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!