Cornelius resigns as Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony composer following resurfaced bullying comments

19 July 2021, 14:41 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

(Cornelius)

Cornelius has stepped down as composer for the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony after apologising for resurfaced comments from an interview in the 1990s about bullying classmates, including those with disabilities.

Cornelius, real name Keigo Oyamada, was due to compose music for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics this Friday (23 July), but has today (19 July) announced his resignation from the role via social media.

His resignation comes after two magazine interviews that he gave in 1994 and 1995 resurrfaced, and saw him discuss (according to The Guardian) without remorse, bullying a disabled classmate.

The Associated Press reports that Cornelius' statement on socials reads, "I sincerely accept the opinions and advice I have received, express my gratitude, and will keep them in mind for my future actions and thoughts."

He continued, "I apologise from the bottom of my heart."

Cornelius also wrote in his statement (translated by Arama Japan) that he was "immature" and "sincerely" apologises to his "classmates and their parents who have been hurt by my words and actions". Later, he also wrote, "I would like to apologise directly to the person who was hurt when I was a student, if I can find a way to contact him and he will accept it."