Japanese musician Cornelius has resigned as a composer for the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony after acknowledging he bullied his childhood classmates.
The 52-year-old, whose real name is Keigo Oyamada, resigned just days out from Friday's ceremony after magazine interviews from the 1990s, in which he discussed his history of abusing classmates, including some living with disabilities, resurfaced.
Cornelius apologised online last week but stood down on Monday following public criticism and calls that he resign from his role with the Olympic Games.
In a statement on his website, Cornelius said he felt deep remorse and responsibility.
"I offer my heartfelt apology," he said.
"In my school days and at the time of the (magazine) interviews, I was a very immature man who could not imagine how the victimised feel."
Cornelius said his role in the Olympic and Paralympic Games lacked consideration for "various people".
"I made arrangements with relevant parties and submitted my resignation to the organising committee," he said.
Cornelius rose to fame as a co-founder of Tokyo rock band Flipper's Guitar, and later embarked on a solo career.
Games organisers change tune
Cornelius's resignation came a day after Games organisers said they wanted the musician to stay in his position, as he had shown remorse.
Since his resignation, officials have called Cornelius's actions "absolutely unacceptable", and said their earlier decision to let him stay was "wrong".
"We offer our deepest apologies for the offense and confusion caused to so many during this time," organisers said.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Katsunobu Kato, said Cornelius's past bullying went against the government policy of achieving an inclusive society and "cannot be tolerated".
A segment of music Cornelius composed for the opening ceremony will no longer be used and he will be removed from his planned role in the Paralympics opening ceremony, Japanese media reported.
Cornelius's resignation from the Olympic Games is the latest in a series of scandals for organisers, who are also dealing with rising COVID-19 infections among athletes.
Former Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori resigned in February after making sexist comments, while Tokyo Olympics creative director Hiroshi Sasaki stepped down in March after comparing a female Japanese entertainer to a pig.
Friday's opening ceremony will be held without spectators in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, although some officials, guests and media will attend.
ABC/wires
