BTS have called for an end to Asian hate.
The K-Pop band have joined the #StopAsianHate and #StopAAPIHate movement following anti-Asian violence in the US, and the group’s members – Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook – released a joint statement in which they discussed the “pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence”.
They said: “We send our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. We feel grief and anger.
“We recall moments when we faced discrimination as Asians. We have endured expletives without reason and were mocked for the way we look. We were even asked why Asians spoke in English.
“We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence for such a reason.
“Our own experiences are inconsequential compared to the events that have occurred over the past few weeks.
“But these experiences were enough to make us feel powerless and chip away our self-esteem.”
The ‘Mic Drop’ hitmakers made it clear they “condemn violence” and spent “considerable time” deciding how to make their feelings known.
They continued: “What is happening right now cannot be dissociated from our identity as Asians.
“It required considerable time for us to discuss this carefully and we contemplated deeply on how we should voice our message.
“But what our voice must convey is clear.
“We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.”
Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion recently donated $50,000 to support the victims of the Atlanta spa shootings.
The ‘WAP’ hitmaker partnered with Fashion Nova and activist May Lee to donate the money to Advancing Justice Atlanta – a non-profit organisation dedicated to the rights of Asian Americans in Georgia – following the devastating shootings on March 16, which saw a gunman enter three different spas and kill eight people.
In an Instagram post announcing the donation, Megan wrote: “I am heartbroken by the loss of eight individuals taken from their families on March 16 in a senseless, violent attack against Asian Americans.
“To honor the memory of these victims, @FashionNova and I have partnered with the journalist and Asian activist @mayleeshow on a $50,000 donation to @advancing_justice_atl who work tirelessly to protect the civil and human rights of Asian Americans in Georgia and the Southeast.
“We stand in solidarity with all Asian Americans in saying that enough is enough. #StopAsianHate #StandWithAANHPICommunity (sic)”
