Entertainment
Met Gala Paparazzi Sparks Outrage with Racist Comments Towards Stray Kids on Red Carpet
Fans of K-Pop sensation Stray Kids were left appalled after photographers at the Met Gala made derogatory and racist comments towards the group on the red carpet. The incident, captured in a viral TikTok video, showcased photographers disrespecting the band members as they made their dazzling entrance at the prestigious event.
The eight members of Stray Kids, namely Bang Chan, Changbin, Felix, Han, Hyunjin, I.N., Lee Know, and Seungmin, arrived in stylish navy blue coats only to be met with insensitive remarks from the paparazzi.
As the band revealed their color-coordinated Tommy Hilfiger suits under their coats, photographers were heard making disparaging comments about their appearance and demeanor, including mocking their perceived lack of emotion.
At one point, a photographer joked about the band starting a performance for the crowd, while another made an inappropriate comment asking how to say ‘right’ in Korean, eliciting laughter from colleagues.
The disrespectful behavior continued as the photographers labeled Stray Kids as ‘robots’ and suggested that people would confuse them for two separate K-Pop bands due to their attire changes, perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes.
Outraged fans took to social media to condemn the photographers’ behavior, calling out the incident as a clear display of xenophobia and racism. The video of the incident shared on TikTok garnered over 170,000 views, with users expressing their disappointment and solidarity with Stray Kids.
Despite the negative remarks, Stray Kids received praise for their fashion choices at the Met Gala, with renowned brands like Tommy Hilfiger applauding their custom-designed suits. The band was recognized as one of the best-dressed groups of the night, despite the unwarranted comments from the paparazzi.
The incident shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by Asian artists in the entertainment industry, sparking a conversation about the need for greater respect and sensitivity towards cultural diversity.
