Pop Star Shaves Head for Remorse After Sex Scandal, Controversy Remains ... - Fashion & Style

A Japanese pop star shaved her head in remorse after a sex scandal, and is taking the internet by storm, stirring speculations as to whether it was a genuinely willing choice or a forced decision by her ever controversial management company.

Minami Minegeshi, a 20-year-old member of Japanese pop group AKB48, is seen in a video clip with her shaven head, shedding tears and begging for forgiveness for spending a night in her boyfriend's apartment.

In the heart-wrenching video, Minegishi confessed that she decided to shave her head without consulting her agency or friends. The pop star made a deep bow of apology and shed tears while pleading for forgiveness and permission to stay in AKB48.

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"I was supposed to set an example for younger members, but my actions were extremely careless and senseless," the pop star says in the clip, according to ABC News.

"My mind has gone completely blank. I don't know what I can do or what I should do, but I couldn't bear to do nothing."

Minegishi was pictured leaving her dancer boyfriend's house last week, violating the group's no-dating rule. The photos of the her leaving 19-year-old Alan Shirahama's apartment wearing sunglasses and mask covering her face was posted on Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun on Thursday.

The band group demoted Minegishi to a trainee team as punishment "for causing a nuisance to the fans," BBC reports.

AKB48 prides its status as one of the highest-earning musical acts in the world, with its members of teens and twenties painted with innocent images.
Behind the pop phenomenon, the sugar-sweet imagery of the girls is patched up by a strict code of conduct. In order to attract a large male fanbase, AKB48 members are now allowed to have boyfriends, and violations of the "Love-Ban-Law" result in harsh punishments.

"I know this is being over?optimistic, but I want to stay as Minegishi Minami of AKB48 if possible," she continued.

"It was entirely my fault. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry."

Skeptics are questioning if Minegishi's act of shaving her head was genuinely her own decision. Rumors point to a publicity ploy orchestrated by producer Yasushi Akimoto, ABC News reports.

The group has stirred controversies in the past for allegedly encouraging homosexuality and child pornography.

The official video of the pop star's apology has collected over 7.5 million viewers since its release on Thursday.