Popular "talent" Becky, 31, known for her squeaky-clean image, is in hot water after reports surfaced in Japanese tabloid media this week that she was having an affair with Enon Kawatani, 27, a vocalist of the popular band Gesu no Kiwami Otome.

Kawatani, who secretly married last summer, met Becky in October. Gesu no Kiwami Otome made their debut appearance on NHK's "Kohaku Uta Gassen" music variety program on New Year's Eve. Usually, performers with any hint of scandal are not invited to perform on the show.

Becky, who is half-British, has been very popular in Japan since she was a child for her energetic character and positive messages she presents to the public. She has never had any scandals until now and tearfully apologized at a news conference on Thursday. She said she first found out Kawatani was married when he told her in November. She told reporters she had been to his concerts and that they dined together but insisted they were just friends.

Becky currently appears in 10 commercials. However, the contracts may be gone after this scandal, media reported Friday.

Sun Music Production Corp, Becky's management company, said that one of her 10 sponsors has already indicated it will replace the commercial with Becky in it to another version featuring another "talent" if the rumor turns out to be true, Sports Nippon reported.

Some of Becky's contracts will end on Jan 31 but the sponsors have stated that they do not intend to renew her contract.

A source at one ad agency was quoted as saying, "If Kawatani were not married, it would not have damaged Becky's image this much. However, in this case, it is natural to think that they were having an affair. Although she denies it, it will have an effect on her marketability in TV commercials."

The scandal broke on Wednesday after Shukan Bunshun revealed it had seen LINE messages in which Kawatani reportedly said he wanted to marry Becky if he could divorce his wife. Becky and Kawatani are said to have spent Christmas eve together and New Year with Kawatani's family in Nagasaki after which photos of the couple started appearing in tabloids.

After the scandal broke, Kawatani went public with his marriage. Prior to that, he had told reporters his wife was a friend. He also said that he and Becky were just friends.

© Japan Today