SEVENTEEN’s Vernon Faces Backlash Over Mother’s Alleged Islamophobia and Ableism Controversy

SEVENTEEN Vernon is facing fierce backlash over controversial posts by his mother.

The controversy began when a long post by Vernon’s mom appeared on X (formerly Twitter). She claimed BTS “built the company that was able to buy Pledis” and said HYBE used SEVENTEEN to “offset the inevitable income loss that would occur” when BTS members began their military enlistment.

Soon after, more of her posts surfaced, including support for former US President Donald Trump. Her Twitter account, believed to be hers (@MelodyVernonK), showed tweets mixing criticism of mainstream media with her support of Vernon and SEVENTEEN.

“My FB (OdyVo) is a mix of my advocacy for SEVENTEEN and criticism of MSM where I curate alternate sources of information. I don’t support any politician and haven’t voted since Obama in 2008 because I realized we were being played by the establishment”
— Melody Vernon (@MelodyVernonK)

Other tweets sparked bigger outrage, including a response to a defense of New York City’s new Muslim mayor Zohran Mamdani. Critics accused her of equating felons (pointing at Trump) with Muslims.

“Then you should be completely unbothered”
— Melody Vernon (@MelodyVernonK)

She also mocked someone using ableist language, asking if they had Tourette’s in reply to repeated offensive phrases.

“Lol – you said retarded!”
— Melody Vernon (@MelodyVernonK)

“Tourettes?”
— Melody Vernon (@MelodyVernonK)

As the backlash grew, Vernon and SEVENTEEN faced direct criticism on social media.

“this is why Seventeen hasn’t had a single hit in 10 years and is being overtaken by rookie groups”
— j.m (@jmprettiest)

“You and your son are both so vgly”
— Kpop_Diva (@Kpop_Divame1)

“She really thought that creature could top bts btw ”
— mel⁷✦ . ⁺ (@_mel34000)

However, many fans rushed to defend Vernon, stressing he should not be blamed for his mother’s views.

“he literally lives in korea, doing his own thing and living his own life. leave him alone”
— min (@starryhvc)

“I don’t understand why people are using this as a drag for Vernon and seventeen like most of us don’t have very conservative parents that we don’t agree with”
— Bella (@bellabuttermeup)

“okay but isn’t it kinda unfair to blame him for his mother’s political beliefs? she should be shamed yes but just because his mother believes something doesn’t mean he does? i don’t agree with some of my family’s views & i shame them for it! but i don’t believe or agree with them”
— auds (@brandnewauds)

Vernon’s Instagram has been flooded with mixed reactions as the controversy heats up.

The issue remains ongoing with no official statements from Vernon or Pledis yet. Fans continue monitoring the fallout closely.