AKS not allowing members to attend Yamaguchi Maho’s graduation concert + Akimoto Yasushi’s role

Following news that AKS would sue the perpetrators of the assault on soon-to-be former NGT48 member Yamaguchi Maho in order to get them to talk, thus seemingly invalidating their own third-party investigation into the matter, it was revealed that only Maho, Hasegawa Rena, and Sugahara Riko would appear at the trio’s upcoming graduation concert.

Only the three graduating members of NGT48 will perform at their graduation concert on May 18th. The official announcement at https://t.co/9QvXquzPw2 confirms the rumours that only Maho Yamaguchi, Rena Hasegawa and Riko Sugahara will appear before fans at the NGT48 Theater. pic.twitter.com/VivQ1nd8Km

— J-Pop Project News (@JPopProjectNews) May 6, 2019

It’s not for lack of trying though, as AKS has reportedly prohibited any 48 Group member from attending, according to Hashimoto Haruna.

https://twitter.com/miiuon/status/1125884200681377792

AKS prohibited any NGT48 or 48G members from attend Yamaguchi Maho farewell ceremony according to Team8 Hashimoto Haruna that tried to go during Maho last handshake event but not allowed by AKS staff. Haruna told her fans through Showroom. pic.twitter.com/v7wSDdMMKF

— 48G Kingdom (@48gTalk) May 8, 2019

Christ.

It’s as if AKS is trying to come off as evil as possible with every decision they make regarding this mess.

Speaking of AKS, apparently it’s not Akimoto Yasushi behind all of this, confirmed by Maho herself.

https://twitter.com/miiuon/status/1124151609473155072

AkiP’s not the top so he can’t go against them… Therefore, he’s unable to comment. I think the other members in the grp feel the same way. I’m really thankful he was worried for Rena and Riko too. Despite that, I’m sorry I thought of you as an evil person.#JusticeforMahohon

— 下尾みう応援者 (@miiuon) May 3, 2019

This was mentioned by Sashihara Rino.

Rino Sashihara said on Fuji TV that Yasushi Akimoto no longer has a management role in AKB48/NGT48 – something that Maho Yamaguchi recently stated – and had no knowledge of AKS's actions in relation to Maho before they happened. Rino met with him recently to confirm this. pic.twitter.com/HXDXwouTVe

— J-Pop Project News (@JPopProjectNews) May 5, 2019

https://twitter.com/miiuon/status/1125570096536215552

Sashihara Rino on AkiP’s position (2/2)

“Since the top mgmt was replaced, AkiP has become only a creative producer.

I heard from the only person who was able to speak with AkiP & Mahochan that AkiP has gave words of encouragement to Mahochan.”#JusticeforMahohon

— 下尾みう応援者 (@miiuon) May 7, 2019

Normally I’d be skeptical about this, as it seems very convenient that he gets distance from the mess. However, it’s not just Sasshi (who still has ties to AKS), but Maho herself saying it as well.