Quoted By:
In the early 2000s (before anime/japanese culture tourists) it was basically common knowledge that male and female idols should NEVER interact or at least have minimal interaction. Otherwise you get scandals, rumors (true and false), and drama that destroys entire careers.
Nowadays it's easier than ever for celebrities to slide into each others DM's and hangout when they're off work. If you still want to defend male collabing all I have to say to you is "by their fruits you will know them."