Yoshiro Murray, chairman of the organizing committee of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has caused a stir with a sexist statement towards women, which he has already apologized for, but is determined to remain in office despite the public pressure exerted on him in the call to resign.
Murray, who previously served as Japan’s prime minister, was asked yesterday about the low number of women on the organizing committee, upsetting many when he said: “Board meetings attended by many women take too long. When you increase the number of women on the committee, if their speaking time is limited “Their words, and that’s very annoying.”
It was further alleged that Murray said at the meeting that the reason for this in his opinion is that women are competitive. “When one of them raises her hand to speak, the others also think they need to say something, and then they all speak.”
This morning (Thursday), Murray apologized for his remarks following the public outcry he provoked. “My statement to the Japanese Olympic Committee was an inappropriate statement, contrary to the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
Despite the apology, Murray does not intend to leave his position on the committee. “I am not thinking of resigning. I have worked hard and dedicatedly for 7 years, and I do not intend to leave now.”