Takasaki Mei Expelled From MEOWMEW After Sex Photo Leak
Takasaki Mei, a founding member of the Japanese idol group MEOWMEW, has been expelled from the group following a sex photo leak and repeated contract violations. The decision was announced on September 11, 2026, roughly two months after the initial scandal broke and less than three weeks after the agency had said she would remain in the group.
Table of Contents
Official Announcement
MEOWMEW’s official X account posted a statement on September 11, 2026, confirming that Takasaki Mei’s activities with the group had ended as of that date. The notice cited “repeated contract violations” as the reason for her departure. The announcement came after the group had initially stated on August 26 that Mei would continue as a member despite a “major rules violation” related to the July 2026 sex photo leak.
Full Details
The controversy began in July 2026, when a netizen on X alleged that Takasaki Mei had engaged in a sexual relationship with a wealthy fan. Three private photos were subsequently leaked. Fans identified Mei by comparing facial features, including the position of a mole, and the posts quickly spread, reportedly reaching over 31 million views.
The agency’s August 26 statement acknowledged that Mei had committed a serious violation of group rules. At that time, the agency said it had consulted with all members and decided to keep Mei in the group, citing her remorse and desire to continue activities. Mei also issued a public apology, stating that her “careless behavior” had hurt fans and members and that she would work to regain trust through her actions.
However, the situation changed in September. On September 11, the group announced that Mei’s continued violations of her contract had made it impossible for her to remain. The official X post stated that her activities as a MEOWMEW member had ended and that she had left the group.
Since the expulsion announcement, Mei’s account on X has been set to private, and she has not posted on Instagram. She was a founding member of MEOWMEW, which debuted in July 2025 under producer Risa Nakamura, the daughter of actor Masatoshi Nakamura and the late actress Junko Igarashi.
Why It Matters
This case is notable because of the agency’s initial decision to keep Mei in the group despite the severity of the allegations. In the Japanese idol industry, scandals involving romantic or sexual relationships with fans often lead to immediate removal or forced graduation. MEOWMEW’s first response-announcing that Mei would stay-was unusual and drew criticism from fans and observers who questioned whether commercial interests, such as an upcoming birthday event, had influenced the decision.
Analysis: The reversal on September 11 suggests that either new information emerged, internal pressure increased, or the agency reassessed the reputational risk. The final outcome aligns more closely with standard industry practice, but the two-month gap between the leak and the expulsion left a visible period of uncertainty for the group and its fans.
What’s Next
MEOWMEW has not announced a replacement member or a revised schedule following Mei’s departure. The group’s official channels have not shared further statements about the circumstances of her exit beyond the September 11 notice. No additional promotional schedule has been officially announced at the time of publication.
Relevant Table
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | Sex photo leak surfaces on X | Confirmed |
| August 26, 2026 | Agency announces Mei will remain in group | Confirmed |
| September 11, 2026 | Mei expelled from MEOWMEW | Confirmed |
FAQ
When was Takasaki Mei expelled from MEOWMEW?
She was expelled on September 11, 2026, according to the group’s official X account.
Why was Takasaki Mei expelled?
The official announcement cited “repeated contract violations” following the July 2026 sex photo leak. The agency had initially decided to keep her in the group but reversed that decision less than three weeks later.
Did Takasaki Mei apologize?
Yes. On August 26, 2026, Mei issued a public apology through her social media accounts, stating that her actions had hurt fans and members and that she would try to regain trust through her future behavior.
More Info About Kpopbio.com
