Composer working on Olympics opening ceremony steps down amid bullying accusations

A composer working on the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony has stepped down amid bullying accusations against him, The Associated Press reported Monday.

In a Twitter post, composer Keigo Oyamada apologized.

“I sincerely accept the opinions and advice I have received, express my gratitude, and will keep them in mind for my future actions and thoughts,” wrote Oyamada, who goes by Cornelius. “I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”

東京2020オリンピック・パラリンピック大会における楽曲制作への参加につきまして pic.twitter.com/p91zE94s1t

— Cornelius (@corneliusjapan) July 19, 2021

Outrage over the past alleged bullying circulated on social media after an old magazine interview resurfaced where Oyamada reportedly bragged about the past behavior, according to the BBC. According to the allegations, Oyamada had targeted the disabled.

Games organizers initially stood by the composer, saying he’d shown remorse, but have since called the allegations “absolutely unacceptable.” 

Organizers told Japanese media outlet NHK that they will not use the music Oyamada composed for the opening ceremony and that it will also be removed from the opening ceremony for the Paralympics, according to the AP.

Oyamada’s resignation is the latest to plague the rescheduled Games, the AP reported, after Yoshiro Mori, head of the organizing committee, stepped down over past sexist remarks, and Hiroshi Sasaki stepped down as creative director after suggesting a Japanese actress should dress like a pig.

The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics is scheduled for July 23.