In a significant development, Nijisanji, one of the most prominent VTuber agencies, has announced an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and unauthorized information leaks involving its VTuber talent, Aster Arcadia. This comes after months of controversy and criticism from fans and insiders regarding the company’s handling of the situation.
Official Statement from Nijisanji
The parent company of Nijisanji, Anycolor Inc., released a statement addressing the controversy:
“We have initiated an independent third-party investigation into these issues and will share the outcome with our livers [VTubers] and our community. This investigation will focus on the issues of sexual harassment and unauthorized information leakage to outside parties and will include a thorough review of company policies and their implementation. Based on the outcome of this investigation, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken, and updated policies will be shared.”
The company emphasized its commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for both talents and the community.
The Allegations Against Aster Arcadia
The controversy centers on accusations that Aster Arcadia, a member of Nijisanji English, engaged in inappropriate behavior toward colleagues and fans. Allegations first surfaced in a video by content creator FalseID, who shared details provided by Nijisanji livers and others connected to the company. Key allegations include:
- Sexual Harassment: Multiple individuals have claimed that Aster engaged in inappropriate and uncomfortable behavior, with one Nijisanji liver recounting that Aster had “sexually harassed” them and several others.
- Management Inaction: The affected liver revealed that despite reporting Aster’s behavior to management, no action was taken. They suggested that the company might be hesitant to discipline Aster due to fears of bad publicity.
- Leaks to Third Parties: Information about internal communications and management practices was allegedly leaked to outside sources, further fueling the controversy.
The situation gained widespread attention after FalseID’s detailed report. The YouTuber highlighted screenshots, communications, and other evidence provided by livers and external sources. FalseID also revealed that multiple individuals within Nijisanji had contacted him directly, sharing their concerns about Aster’s conduct and the company’s response. The evidence presented by FalseID included:
- Screenshots of inappropriate communications attributed to Aster.
- Evidence linking the whistleblowers to Nijisanji talents, verified through mutual social media connections and gaming accounts.
FalseID’s investigation painted a troubling picture of an internal culture struggling to address serious allegations, prompting Anycolor to announce the independent review.
Reactions from Leaks Nijisanji English Talents
According to reports, some Nijisanji English livers have distanced themselves from Aster, avoiding interactions with him in voice chats and other collaborative spaces. One liver reportedly confided that Aster’s behavior extended beyond internal dynamics, impacting fans as well:
“He was basically saying the same stuff to my calls and to a fan who is a big supporter of the company. It was gross and inappropriate.”
Others expressed frustration over the lack of action, with one liver admitting they had considered graduating (leaving the company) due to the situation.
The investigation marks a pivotal moment for Nijisanji as it works to address these allegations and rebuild trust with its talents and fans. Whether the company’s actions will satisfy its community remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the VTuber industry, often praised for its creativity and innovation, must also prioritize creating safe and respectful environments for its talents.