Actress Izumi Pinko has been sued for damages over her conduct at a stage greeting for a film she appeared in, the director of that film has said. The suit was filed by Kazuhiro Teranishi, who directed Izumi in the films "Ayumi" and "Gibo."
In a statement posted on Instagram and on the X account of the company he heads on November 3, Teranishi said Izumi told him before the event that she was going home, would not appear, would not stand in line with the others, and that she was a great veteran of the stage.
The person appearing on stage ended up kneeling in apology, the statement said. Teranishi also said Izumi insulted members of the audience, calling one a "babaa" — a crude Japanese term for an old woman — and that this wounded their dignity and could not be tolerated.
He said he had decided the matter could not be handled as a dispute between individuals and had taken legal action as the event's organizer.
Who is suing, and for what
A film industry figure gave this account: shortly before the greeting, Izumi objected to the outfit and appearance of Bardot Ane, the writer and TV personality who was hosting, and refused to stand on stage with her. Bardot Ane then knelt and asked her to reconsider, the person said.
The suit was not brought by Bardot Ane, nor by the audience member whose appearance was mocked, but by Teranishi. A reporter covering entertainment for a sports newspaper said harassment may be only the opening part of the claim, and that Teranishi may be most concerned that a valuable event was disrupted and publicity for the films affected.
A reputation that precedes her
Izumi, 79, has a long record of clashes with co-stars. She and E-nari Kazuki, 41, who appeared with her in the late Kayata Toshiko's home-drama series "Wataru Seken wa Oni Bakari," are effectively barred from working together, and E-nari's side is said to be the one refusing.
A director at a key TV station said E-nari's objection grew out of Izumi's repeated efforts to put herself above him, including comments on his private life, and that he now avoids her off screen as well.
Work had been thinning out for Izumi, and she appeared to mind. She has telephoned entertainers she has known for years who hold regular programs and asked them outright to put her on air, according to an executive at a talent agency familiar with the situation.
She directs such requests at performers with shorter careers than hers who have influence over casting, the executive said. One major singer did book her as a guest on a program, where Izumi played to her usual persona and enjoyed the result. After the recording she announced from on high that she would be willing to appear as a regular, and the singer was left wondering what to do if she was asked again, the executive said.
A producer at a commercial broadcaster described another episode: Izumi tried to call a drama shoot to a close on her own, saying enough had been filmed and it was over. The director wanted another take but found it hard to say so to her.
Izumi has made no comment on the reports of harassment. It is not clear whether she considers the matter beneath a veteran actress or is preparing a response.