Stray Kids’ BangChan has issued an apology addressing the recent controversy he’s been embroiled in.
The issue has begun after an old video clip showing Stray Kids’ Bang Chan dancing to Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” went viral. The video resurfaced on social media with people sharing contrasting opinions on the matter.
Bang Chan imitates Jim Crow pose at the end and fans think it was offensive to the African-American community. To understand the context behind why this pose is very offensive we have to look at its history.
In the 1830s and 1840s, a white entertainer named Thomas Dartmouth created a racist character in blackface named Jim Crow. After civil war, most of the southern states passed laws denying basic human rights to blacks, and this became known as the “Jim Crow” laws.
These laws contributed to the segregation of public schools, public places, and public transportation, and the segregation of restrooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains between white and black people.
On August 3, Stray Kids’ Bang Chan took to Bubble to issue an apology, he wrote,
“STAY~ As a member of Stray Kids, ‘Stray Kids Everywhere All Around The World’ is a very precious slogan.
Even if my intentions meant no harm, it doesn’t matter at all because there are people out there who were very hurt by my decisions. I should have thought it out more thoroughly and clearly before initiating those actions. Once again I am very sorry and would like to ask for forgiveness to those who have been offended. We, Stray Kids, do not support racism in any form and matter. As you all know I’m still lacking a lot in many aspects… But with the unconditional love and support that I receive from STAYs, I can keep chasing my dreams to become a great artist, and overall, become a better human being. STAY, thank you so much for everything that you’ve done for me.”
Fans are sharing mixed reactions to his apology.
What do you guys think of his apology? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
