The Tokyo Olympics’ creative director has resigned after saying a popular female comedian should be an “Olympig” in the opening ceremony.
Hiroshi Sasaki had suggested entertainer Naomi Watanabe appear wearing pig ears in a derogatory reference to her body shape.
Ms Watanabe, a comedian, actor and fashion designer with 9.3million Instagram followers, has challenged body image norms in the Japanese entertainment industry.
Mr Sasaki was in charge of the opening and closing ceremonies or the Games, which are to begin on July 23.
He released a statement today saying he was stepping down, and said: “For Ms Naomi Watanabe, my idea and comments are a big insult. And it is unforgivable.
“I offer my deepest regrets and apologise from the depth of my heart to her, and those who may have been offended by this.”
The news is yet another setback for the postponed games and another involving comments about women.
The Olympics are to open in just over four months, dogged by the pandemic, record costs, and numerous scandals.
In February, the president of the organising committee Yoshiro Mori was forced to resign after making sexist comments, saying women talk too much in meetings.
