TOKYO — Dozens of Japanese companies have pulled their commercials on Fuji Television amid allegations company officials tried to cover up a sex scandal involving one of the country’s most famous TV hosts.

The scandal centers on Masahiro Nakai, a former member of the popular male band SMAP and now a host at Fuji and other Japanese networks. Nakai has been linked by local media to an alleged sexual assault at a party reportedly arranged by one of Fuji TV’s staff.

After the weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun reported in December a $580,000 settlement between Nakai and a woman over the alleged sexual assault at a 2023 dinner party, the former SMAP star issued a statement acknowledging a settlement over “a trouble,” but he denied using any violence.

News of the scandal did not immediately trigger a flood of cancellations by sponsors. But many apparently started replacing their commercials with public service announcements after a news conference Friday by Fuji TV triggered criticism that the company was lacking transparency and contrition over the incident.

Sponsors such as automakers Nissan Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp.; cosmetics maker Shiseido; retailer Seven & I Holding Co.; and life insurer Meiji Yasuda announced they were pulling ads from Fuji TV. Local media reports said more than 50 companies had done the same.

Nissan said Tuesday that it had pulled its Fuji TV ads and was watching developments before deciding on further steps.

During Friday’s news conference, Fuji TV President Koichi Minato apologized and acknowledged his company had not disclosed the problem despite becoming aware of it about six months before the Shukan Bunshun report. Minato said Fuji TV would investigate the case but also said he believed his employees had not done anything wrong.

Fuji TV apologized for causing trouble to many advertisers and agencies but declined to disclose details.