Shohei Ohtani's private Christmas party pictures have fans outraged: "Invasion of privacy, stop it"

Ever since Shohei Ohtani announced his record-setting deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Dec. 9, the 29-year-old has been the subject of never-ending media attention. However, it appears as though at least one outlet took their coverage a step too far.

On Sunday, Shohei Ohtani was captured enjoying a private Christmas party at his residence in Newport Beach, California. Present were associates of the defending AL MVP, like interpreter Ippei Mizuhara and agent Ned Balelo. The group congregated to watch the 115th annual Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach's harbor.

Photos of the former Los Angeles Angels star's private gathering were posted by Hans Lin, a reporter for Taiwan's Central News Agency.

"Shohei Ohtani was spotted on the evening of the 17th, watching the Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach, California, accompanied by his dog, translator Ippei Mizuhara, and agent Nez Balelo." - Hans Lin

While the pictures provide an intriguing glimpse into Ohtani's private life, many fans reckon they're an unjust intrusion onto Ohtani's privacy.

"Invasion of privacy. Stop it," tweeted one.

Here are the top reactions on X:

Since announcing the deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mizuhara and Balelo have appeared to constantly be in Ohtani's company. At Ohtani's first press conference with the team on Thursday, both men took the stage as the 6-foot-4 two-way star fielded questions from the press.

In the wake of the historic deal, Balelo has earned himself more recognition. Balelo even apologized to Toronto Blue Jays fans on behalf of his client as rumors of a potential deal with MLB's sole Canadian team surged before being doused following Ohtani's deal with the Dodgers.

Although the $700 million over a decade is the most lucrative contract in sports history, it will be some time before Ohtani sees the bulk of the funds. Under the terms of his contract deferral, Ohtani will earn just $2 million per year until 2034, when the $680 million balance will be paid out incrementally.

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For Shohei Ohtani, privacy is a pipedream right now

Signing the largest contract ever on the heels of an MVP season is a recipe to draw overwhelming media interest.

An intensely private person, Ohtani has consistently taken the high road when it comes to pop sensationalism. However, as he may already have learnt, running and hiding can only get a star so far in the days of ubiquitous cameras and reporters around every corner.