His conduct, which was too bold for a courtier, and a false accusation by Harusue KIKUTEI (it is said that the sentence, 'If the position of Kanpaku is transferred by succession, I hope to be assigned at least as Nairan (the person who checked documents before they were given to the Emperor)' included in the afore-mentioned letter caused the problem) led the Emperor to censure Nobutada in May 1594, leaving him in a difficult position.
廷臣としては余りに奔放な行動であり、更に菊亭晴季らが讒言（前述の手紙には「関白が豊臣氏の世襲になるならばせめて内覧任命を希望したい」という文言が入っていた事が問題になったと言われている）したため、文禄3年(1594年)4月についに後陽成天皇の勅勘を蒙る羽目に陥った。