BTS Faces Accusations of Racism and Humiliation on National TV

BTS is facing backlash after shocking comments aired on a US national TV broadcast.

The controversy began during a segment on KJTV — Channel 34, a Fox affiliate — discussing BTS’s new collaboration with Oreo. Anchor James Eppler opened by admitting he “couldn’t name one BTS song.” His female co-anchor agreed, saying:

“Me neither and it baffles me. I mean I’m sure they’re great. Obviously they keep winning every award and they’re always trending but I literally can’t name one song.”

Soon after, Eppler made a disturbing claim about the Oreo cookies’ design. He said the 13 cookie designs, when put together, spell out a message to fans: “Death to America.”

“[The 13] designs when put together spell out a message to fans and that is ‘Death to America’ which I think is really strange.”
— James Eppler, KJTV

Fans quickly reacted online, calling the segment disrespectful and racist toward BTS. Many criticized the anchors for mocking the group despite admitting they knew little about their music.

“i wonder whats so funny in being openly racist to minorities”
— luna⁷ (@tetebbi)

“fox news (MAGA) in a conservative state making a racist joke about minorities …. fork unfortunately found in kitchen .”
— keke⁷ is seeing bts (@stallseok)

Others described the moment as humiliating and embarrassing given BTS’s global success.

“oh this is so embarrassing for bts…”
— SUMMERPIXIE (@OGSUMMERPIXIE)

As the situation unfolded, some netizens pointed out this reflected how BTS is still perceived by some Western media audiences.

“This is so embarrassing. Actually this is the reality, nobody actually know their songs. Everyone just know the word bts but in a negative way cuz they’re just a laughingstock but nobody actually takes their music seriously, only bots and their cult.”
— ۟ (@mndublinkk)

So far, neither KJTV nor the anchors involved have issued any public response to the backlash.