Fox News Host Faces Backlash and Calls for Firing Over BTS Remark

BTS is facing backlash after a Texas news host made a controversial joke about their Oreo collaboration.

The controversy began when FOX34, a local FOX-affiliated station in Lubbock, Texas, covered the upcoming limited edition Oreos X BTS cookies. The collaboration, set to release on June 8, features a special hotteok flavor and messages from the group.

During the segment, host James Eppler, who is also a Texas Tech University professor, joked that the 13 messages on the Oreos spelled out “Death To America.” He presented this as a “joke,” sparking immediate outrage.

The phrase has been used by countries protesting American imperialism but is most commonly linked to extremist terrorist groups. North Korea has also used similar wording in the past.

Fans quickly reacted online, calling the comment racist and demanding an apology. Many are also calling for Eppler to be fired.

“Spreading misinformation about an asian boyband on a news show knowing damn well how America is treating minorities right now is really weird” — kat

“these types of jokes of acting like they are saying something else that’s offensive and the ‘north korea’ jokes are just straight up racist im over it” — َ

“Fuck ass bitches ts was not funny it was honestly disrespectful asf. He needs to be fired immediately.!!!” — Ja’Kiyah Chanel ⁷

Fans also tagged Oreo’s official account, urging the brand to address the situation.

“@Oreo please be aware that @fox34 used your bts oreo collaboration as the setup for a ‘d34th to america’ joke. this is blatant racism and xenophobia toward asian artists, using your campaign to amplify harmful rhetoric for a cheap punchline. i hope you can press for…” — mona lina⁷๋࣭ ︎˚｡⋆

As the situation unfolds, fans remain firm in demanding accountability for the offensive remarks made during the BTS Oreo coverage.