“Beg Your Husband For…” — Netizens Slam Popular Actor For Being Rude To A Pregnant Fan

Popular Japanese actor Toma Ikuta is facing fierce backlash following an insensitive and “rude” response he gave to a pregnant fan. Ikuta’s response has sparked widespread backlash online, with many netizens deeming it inappropriate and dismissive.

The controversy started when Ikuta engaged in a Q&A session on his Instagram. During the session, a fan, who mentioned she was in her ninth month of pregnancy, confided her anxieties about the impending childbirth.

I’m in my ninth month of pregnancy and childbirth scares me…

— Fan via Instagram Q&A

In response, Ikuta flippantly advised the fan to “beg your husband for an epidural,” a comment which did not sit well with his audience. Japanese netizens reacted strongly to his comment.

The actor’s advice quickly ignited a storm of criticism from netizens, who questioned the appropriateness of his response. Many felt that Ikuta’s remark was outdated and sexist, arguing that a woman should not need to seek permission from anyone for medical decisions concerning her own body. Others pointed out that childbirth is challenging enough without the added burden of needing to negotiate pain relief.

• “Telling her to beg her husband for an epidural?”
• “She’s the one suffering through pregnancy and childbirth. Why should she have to get permission for an epidural?”
• “What era does he think we live in?”
• “It shouldn’t be about needing someone’s permission.”
• “It really shows his true beliefs.”

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Following the backlash, Ikuta attempted to quell the growing discontent with a public apology via his Instagram story. He explained that his comment was intended to suggest that discussing the option of an epidural as a family might be beneficial. He admitted that his delivery was poor and proceeded to apologize to those he had offended.

It seems my remarks have hurt some people, for which I am sorry. I suggested it because I learned that despite the cost, it is an important option to alleviate fear. I wanted to propose something that families could discuss, but it seems I communicated it awkwardly.

— Toma Ikuta

However, the apology has done little to dampen the criticism from the public, with many continuing to express their disappointment in the actor’s choice of words.