Tokyo Olympics organization chairman Yoshiro Mori was criticized earlier this week for sexist comments he made on women and, although he later apologized, said he had no intention of resigning from the committee.
Mori was quoted as saying that women are “annoying” because they can talk a lot during meetings. He reportedly made the comment after being asked about increasing the proportion of women on the Olympic Committee’s board to 40%, according to Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun.
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“Women have a strong sense of competition. If one person raises a hand, others probably think, I need to say something too. That’s why everyone talks,” he said.
Mori added: “When you increase the number of executive women, if speaking time is not restricted to a certain extent, they find it difficult to finish, which is annoying”
On Thursday, after a riot, Mori apologized for his derogatory comments.
TOKYO OLYMPIC ORGANIZERS REITERATED ‘WE WILL PLAY THE GAMES’
“The statement made at the Japanese Olympic Committee was an inappropriate expression, contrary to the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics,” he said. “I am deeply sorry. I would like to withdraw the statement. I would like to apologize for any unpleasant feelings.”
The 83-year-old added that he “was not thinking” of resigning.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it considered the matter resolved and would not urge the former Japanese prime minister to resign.
“President Mori apologized for his comments today. With that, the IOC considers the matter closed,” said the IOC.
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Tokyo is pushing to start the Olympics after postponing them for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. About 80% of Japanese residents say the Games must be postponed again or canceled altogether.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.