20-year-old Maya Imamori suspends activities following criticism over high school pregnancy revelation

Japanese actress Maya Imamori (20), who revealed she had experience being pregnant during her first year of high school, has decided to stop her public activities following intense criticism. As a story she personally considered a routine memory escalated into a fierce online controversy, she expressed her intention to reflect on her remarks and take time to look back on herself for the time being.

On the 14th, Imamori posted a message to her personal account to the effect of, "I will stop all communications for the time being and face what I must face." This stance was released as criticism followed her recent disclosure of her pregnancy experience as a minor during a video appearance on a channel. Her decision to suspend activities came as her remarks, which she thought would end as a simple confession of her past, caused unexpected repercussions.

The controversy began when she appeared as a guest on a video and discussed her views on dating and childbirth. At the time, Imamori said, "I want to have a child," and then confessed, "I became pregnant once during my first year of high school." As news spread of her making these private experiences relatively calmly, debates spread across local online communities regarding whether the way she conveyed the story and its content were appropriate.

Some netizens showed uncomfortable reactions, saying, "I wish she hadn't broken children's dreams. This is truly shocking," "I haven't commented until now, but this is too much," and "Isn't this not something that should be talked about as a laughing matter?" In particular, points were raised that it could be perceived as treating the significant experience of pregnancy lightly. However, amidst the ongoing criticism, there were also views that it is excessive to unilaterally condemn the individual solely for the reason of disclosing a personal experience.

Imamori clarified through her personal account that "I did not say I had an abortion." She did not specifically disclose what happened after the pregnancy. She subsequently posted a long message stating, "I am explaining in writing regarding the commotion occurring online," and drew a line by saying, "I cannot tell you what happened after that." This effectively made her position clear that she would not disclose the situation following the pregnancy.

She apologized, stating she did not anticipate the repercussions her remarks would cause. Imamori stated, "I did not know that this single remark would lead to criticism and condemnation, and I am deeply reflecting on having made irresponsible remarks." She continued, "I think about this child every single day. There is almost no day I do not think of it," and confessed, "That is why I thought it was a story with no sense of incongruity in my daily life. I spoke based only on my own values." This implies that because she had become accustomed to her own memories and emotions, she failed to sufficiently consider how the remarks would be received by others.

After the controversy spread, voices also emerged worrying about Imamori's well-being. Some local netizens expressed hope for her safety and wished for a day when she could compose herself and feel happiness again. In a situation where criticism and apologies are intertwined, interest has also risen in how she, having declared a suspension of activities, will resolve this controversy and what her future steps will be.

Imamori drew attention for playing the role of the series' first female Black warrior in 'No.1 Sentai Gozyuger', a 50th anniversary work of the Super Sentai Series. However, in September 2025, allegations of an affair with a married suit actor who participated in the same work were reported, and in November of the same year, her agency announced the termination of her contract due to a serious breach of contract after disclosing her underage drinking. This time, she has once again stood at the center of controversy regarding her remarks about her pregnancy during high school. Attention is focused on how Imamori, who chose to suspend activities amidst consecutive scandals, will be able to restore trust with the public in the future.

Read the original (Korean)