Popular voice actor Toru Furuya, a veteran who voiced numerous iconic roles like Amuro Ray from Mobile Suit Gundam, has admitted to an affair with a fan for years.

Entertainment magazine Weekly Bunshun published an article claiming that Furuya had an affair with a fan for four years. Furuya was later interviewed by Bunshun and admitted to the accusations. Shortly after Furuya issued a public statement and apology.

In his statement, he said that his relationship with the fan lasted until September last year, initiating the relationship himself. He also admitted to striking her once during an argument and causing emotional distress to the woman, causing an abortion.

Furuya then apologized to the fan for the physical and mental toll he gave to her, and also apologized to his fans for not living to the standards of the characters he portrayed, and also betraying his fans’ trust.

Furuya said he is also prepared to atone for his actions for the rest of his life and is ready to accept whatever punishment is appropriate.

Toru Furuya started as a child actor in the 1960s to the early 1970s, then shifting to voice acting. His big breakout was Amuro Ray in the 1979 anime Mobile Suit Gundam. He was later cast into other anime well into the 2010s, from Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon, Rei Furuya/Toru Amuro in Detective Conan, Yamcha in Dragon Ball, and Ribbons Almark in Gundam 00.