Japanese idol Nakanishi Aruno (中西アルノ) was on top of the world on 23rd February. The 18-year-old had been chosen as the center for J-pop group Nogizaka46’s 29th single “Actually”. However, fans weren’t happy with Aruno thanks to her past misdemeanors.
Things quickly fell apart when rumours of her previous controversies came to light. Some claimed she made fun of women and the disabled. Others stated she was racist. However, the tipping point came when it was revealed she may have serviced sugar daddies in the past.
Nogizaka46 is known for their “innocent” concept and to many, Aruno did not fit the bill. Shortly after her appointment, fans started churning out screenshots of her previous Twitter posts. Most were sure it was her, mainly because her account had once been tagged by a photographer, back when she worked as a freelance model.
Some posts took potshots of women and disabled people. The one which disgusted netizens the most was when she made a comment about the blacks. Aruno apparently claimed they looked like they were going to kidnap her because she had a “defenceless face“.
In addition to her sordid comments, netizens discovered she had also posted her own underwear on Twitter. Fans also claimed Aruno used to sell individual photo sessions for 3000 yen (~RM108) an hour. What truly got to everyone was when they discovered her posts to sugar daddies.
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If there had been any doubt about her account handle, it was erased. Her posts now showed photos of her in various sexy poses, either in her underwear on in her school uniform. She was also said to have written provocative posts like, “I’ll do naughty things if I have some pocket money,” and “Are these used (underwear)?”
Needless to say, netizens were not impressed. Fans of the group felt Aruno’s presence in Nogizaka46 would only bring the image of the group down. However, there hasn’t been a statement from Aruno or the group regarding the rumours. Some netizens think she will be dismissed as another idol, Harada Mayu was also released form J-pop group, Sakurazaka46 for less. Yet, there are reports that the management is hoping to keep her on as Aruno is already involved in Nogizaka46’s future projects.
Aruno joined Nogizaka46 on 1st February after winning the 5th Generation audition. If she is dismissed, her term as an idol will be a short one. For now, fans will simply have to wait and see if Aruno will stay on, or leave.
Sources: KBIZoom, Bunshun English, Nambanation, Twitter
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