Claims against pop star Kenshin Kamimura ‘exaggerated’, Hong Kong court hears
Defence says interpreter inflated indecent assault claims in closing remarks after ex-ONE N’ ONLY boy band member decided not to testify
An interpreter for Japanese pop idol Kenshin Kamimura exaggerated her evidence against him in his indecent assault trial in Hong Kong, defence lawyers have said in closing their case before dozens of emotional fans.
The defence on Thursday advanced closing remarks at West Kowloon Court after Kamimura decided not to testify about the alleged incident that led to his expulsion from Japanese boy band ONE N’ ONLY and kept him in the city since March this year.
More than 200 tickets set aside for the public were distributed, but many of the attendees were asked to watch a live broadcast of the hearing on separate floors of the court building.
Kamimura appeared gaunt but relaxed throughout the two-hour hearing. Some fans broke down in tears upon seeing their idol walk past them during court adjournments.
The defendant has denied a count of indecent assault for allegedly groping an interpreter at a fan meeting in Hong Kong while organisers and staff celebrated the event’s success at a restaurant in Mong Kok.
The interpreter alleged the Japanese star repeatedly made swiping and tapping motions to touch her left thigh at Ming Kee Restaurant in the early hours of March 2, ignoring her cues that she did not welcome his advances.