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Influencer Criticized After Kissing Video With Boyfriend Present

couple kissing under gray clouds
Photo by Cassie Lopez on Unsplash

A kissing video involving a popular female influencer, known publicly as 'Reina,' has triggered significant backlash after it was shared online, according to a report by SmartFLASH.

The footage reportedly showed Reina engaged in what was described as an intense or intimate kiss with a prominent businessman nicknamed Horiemon, while her boyfriend, Daisuke Hori, was present at the scene.

The video's circulation sparked widespread discomfort among viewers, a reaction described in Japanese media using the term 'don-biki,' which conveys a sense of shock or recoil from socially awkward behavior.

In response to the growing criticism, Reina reportedly addressed the incident by stating that she had wanted someone to intervene and stop the kiss, saying, 'I wanted him to stop it.'

However, this explanation was met with further scrutiny, as some online commentators accused her of making a 'deflecting remark,' or attempting to shift accountability for the situation onto others rather than acknowledging her own role.

Critics have specifically questioned why, as an active participant in the kiss, Reina did not take the initiative to stop it herself instead of expecting external intervention.

The controversy highlights broader public expectations around personal accountability, particularly for individuals with significant public visibility such as influencers.

As the story continues to circulate, reactions remain divided, with some expressing sympathy toward Reina's position, while others maintain that her response fell short of addressing the situation directly.

According to the original report, neither Horiemon nor Daisuke Hori has issued a detailed public statement addressing the matter, leaving many questions about the full context of the incident unanswered.

The incident underscores how quickly personal moments can become subjects of public debate when shared widely on social media, especially when they involve recognizable public figures.

Vocabulary5 words

influencer
a well-known online person who affects public opinion
intimate
very close and personal
discomfort
a feeling that something is wrong or unpleasant
deflecting remark
words that avoid taking blame
accountability
the duty to explain or answer for one's actions

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Quiz

1. What was the main cause of the public backlash described in the article?
2. How did critics interpret Reina's explanation about the kiss?
3. True or False: Both Horiemon and Daisuke Hori issued detailed public statements about the incident.

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Discussion questions

  1. To what extent should public figures be held accountable for personal actions shared online?
  2. Do you think Reina's explanation was a fair response, or did it avoid personal responsibility?
  3. How does the presence of a partner during such an incident change public perception of the situation?
  4. What role does social media play in amplifying personal controversies like this one?

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