Sina Entertainment, July 11, 2013 — According to Japanese media reports, following figure skater Miki Ando’s out-of-wedlock childbirth scandal, former snowboarder Mai Imai is now also suspected of drug use and has allegedly lied on her blog. The July 10 issue of Weekly Bunshun magazine reported that Imai updated her blog early that morning, saying that her eldest daughter, Mari, who was born in 2011, was actually being cared for at a rehabilitation facility.
After her last blog update on June 17, Imai posted again on July 10, stating: “To be honest... what I wrote on the blog was false. I said Mari was living at our family home, but she was actually staying at a rehabilitation facility.” Imai did not elaborate on the details, but she apologized, saying: “I know I went too far. I was afraid of being criticized and didn’t speak up. I’m very sorry to Mari.” Additionally, Imai denied the magazine’s report about drug use, stating: “The weekly magazine reported many things, but I will gradually explain the truth on my blog.”
Weekly Bunshun also covered the incident. According to an informed source from her agency: “Mai Imai had a dispute with a man, referred to as A, who threatened her using photos and videos of her using drugs, and she even sought help from those around her. The several million yen she earned from her photobook was all spent by A. A lived near Mai’s home in Osaka, and the two began dating this year. Initially, their relationship was good, and he was even introduced to the agency, but later Mai frequently complained to the agency, saying she was being abused by A and that he had taken her necklace, among other things.”
It is reported that initially, the agency thought the issues between Imai and the man were just a minor couple's quarrel and did not intervene. However, in early June, Imai suddenly called her agent, claiming her son had been kidnapped. She cried and said: “He threatened me, saying he wouldn’t let my son go unless I gave him 170,000 yen (approximately 10,000 RMB).” The agent told her not to pay and to call the police immediately, but Imai did not report the incident. Later, her son returned safely. According to the insider: “Afterward, the agent asked Imai to explain what had happened, but she avoided the key points and was evasive. However, she admitted to giving the money to A. The agency learned that A used drugs and had a criminal record, and believed Imai might not be able to continue her career, so they stopped supporting her.”
Imai was interviewed by Weekly Bunshun magazine, but she insisted that she was absolutely not involved in drug use. She had published an autobiography last September, detailing her experiences as a hostess, having an abortion, and undergoing plastic surgery. Even if there was some gossip about her romantic relationships, she could still work. But if she were truly involved with drugs, she would probably have to leave the entertainment industry.