BTS’s RM Addresses Xenophobia Allegations, Sparks Further Criticism
BTS leader RM has drawn significant attention after speaking up directly about the controversy surrounding his recent Weverse post.
BTS’s RM | @rkive/Instagram
In the post, RM addressed fans in Peru, urging them not to show up at the hotel where the group was staying, reasoning that the constant noise and crowding had made them a nuisance to the hotel staff and other guests. He also mentioned other South American countries and Asia, where the group will be heading to for their world tour next, and requested fans to maintain decorum.
Following this post, netizens shared footage of dangerous crowds gathering outside BTS’s hotel, with loud screaming and even lasers being pointed into their rooms.
Despite the context of RM’s post, many Peruvian and South American fans felt hurt by the fact that he had singled out their countries, despite the fact that BTS have gotten mobbed in the US and Europe as well. Many accused the BTS leader of being xenophobic over this.
While the discourse created a divide among BTS fans, RM chose to address the issue head-on during BTS’s second concert in Lima on October 9. He called out the crowding, pointing of lasers, and breach of privacy, but also emphasized that his letter was not directed toward Latin America alone, but to fans all over the globe. He reassured that BTS would never discriminate among fans based on nationalities, and urged fans not to pay attention to such divisive discourses.
This direct response was welcomed by many fans, and RM received high praise for his mature way of handling such a tricky situation.
However, it has also triggered a new wave of criticism against RM. Many fans saw this moment as proof that he was aware of everything fans talk about on social media and that him remaining silent on the controversy over his association with Chris Brown was a deliberate choice.
The controversy in question occurred when RM and J-Hope were seen at a Chris Brown concert in August, following which, they were also seen posing with the singer for his Instagram post. Despite the heavy backlash that followed, with many ARMYs demanding an apology, neither of the members ever addressed the situation.
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