RM's Instagram post draws debate among BTS fans
RM’s recent Instagram post has sparked another round of debate among BTS fans, days after he and J-Hope attended a concert featuring Chris Brown and Usher, Aug. 12.
Their appearance drew criticism from some members of ARMY because of Brown’s history of violence, while others defended the BTS members’ decision to attend.
Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna and was sentenced to five years of probation and six months of community labor. He has also faced other violence-related allegations and incidents over the years.
The issue resurfaced on Aug. 16, when RM posted an Instagram Story featuring a Black woman holding an “I love RM” sign from a BTS concert.
Some fans questioned the timing and choice of the post, particularly amid the ongoing discussion over his attendance at Brown’s concert.
One fan wrote on Threads: “RM posting this in his story makes me extremely uncomfortable for reasons I cannot properly put into words, but apart from the continuing refusal to acknowledge that he platformed an abuser, to my gut it feels supremely performative to feature an apparently adoring Black person considering the current discussions.”
Other reactions were similarly critical, with some fans saying RM should be more mindful of his influence and the choices he makes publicly.
“I understand people’s zeal to live life their way, but when one is celebrity influencing generations, one needs to be responsible for their actions. I do not relate with him anymore and unfollowed him on Instagram. I will not be going to SFMOMA RM too, and no one should be going,” another fan posted.
Another reaction questioned whether RM was using the image of a Black fan to deflect criticism: “But look, I have black fans. U forgive me, right?”
“He knows he just doesn't give a f—,” another fan wrote.
