 |
| ≠ME’s Mirei Suganami Private Photos Circulate Online, Agency Responds |
The management of ≠ME (Not Equal ME), the girl group produced by Rino Sashihara, has stepped in after private photos of member Suganami Mirei (25) began circulating online.
In a statement uploaded to the group’s official site, the agency apologised to fans and clarified the situation.
The photos, which show Suganami Mirei spending time with friends, were taken before she joined ≠ME. The management stressed that there is nothing in the pictures that should shake supporters’ trust.
 |
Earlier, tabloid Shukan Bunshun published a photo of Suganami Mirei with a man. Fans speculated they were dating, leaving many disappointed.
 |
The agency said they were “deeply disappointed” that the images were spread with misleading commentary that implied Suganami Mirei was hiding something from fans.
 |
They confirmed that legal consultation is already underway regarding the slander.
 |
Their statement also included a reminder to the public not to take unverified rumours at face value and not to spread speculation that could harm the group or its members.
 |
| Bunshun Posted the pict |
For ≠ME, who continue to grow their fanbase both in Japan and overseas, this was a rare but serious public intervention.
The management underlined that while idols are public figures, their private lives—especially events before they entered the industry—deserve respect.
 |
They closed their note by asking fans to continue supporting Suganami Mirei and ≠ME, while being careful not to contribute to gossip cycles.