German Radio DJ Matthias Matuschik and the station Bayern 3 have issued statements to address the controversy that aroused from his comments.
The DJ had previously heavily criticized BTS cover of Coldplay and called them ‘f*ckwits,’ he also compared them to the virus and hoped there would be a ‘cure’ for that soon as well.
His remarks angered fans all around the world and multiple hashtags spawned as a result. Fans have demanded an apology after the station initially downplayed his statement and defended him saying he’s playing a character and meant no harm.
However, the station has issued new statements to address the situation, they wrote,
“We sincerely apologize for the remarks made by Matthias Matuschik on the live broadcast.
It is not acceptable what words he used to describe the band BTS. And both he and we at BAYERN 3 know that it is not enough if he actually meant things differently. If statements were perceived as offensive or racist by many people, then they are.However, we need to clarify that Matthias is miles away from racist views, as he has proven for years through his actions and work for a peaceful coexistence of the people in Bavaria – regardless of their nationality, culture, skin color, sexual orientation or religion. BAYERN 3 also explicitly distances itself from any form of racism, exclusion and discrimination.
The moderator and his family are now getting massively threatened. With all due understanding for the outrage, we ask that the discussion remain on a substantive level. Together with Matthias and the whole team, we will work on the topic in detail and ensure that such serious errors no longer happen in the future.”
Bayern 3 also posted Matthias Matuschik own statement which caused the bulk of the outrage despite it being an apology, he stated,
“I am very astonished by the reactions that my statements on my live show had – and first of all: I am very sorry, I would like to sincerely apologize.
In my moderation, I was primarily annoyed by the fact that the boy band BTS covered the song “Fix you” by Coldplay, which I really appreciate. The nationality of the seven boys shouldn’t matter – mentioning them and connecting that with a virus was completely wrong.
I have thought a lot in the past few hours and I understand and accept that I could have racially insulted many of you, especially the Asian community, with my words. That was never my intention, but I know that in the end it is how the words are received by the recipients – and not how they were meant.
People who have known me for a long time know that in addition to my work as a radio DJ and cabaret artist, since the influx of refugees in 2015, I have also campaigned against right-wing activities and for those seeking protection. It makes me all the more sad when I hurt others with a thoughtless statement (that was meant to be funny) and put myself in a false light. I made a big mistake that I will learn from.
I am really sorry.”
However, his apology as well as the station’s statement didn’t resonate with fans, many expressed their rejection of the apology labeling it ‘gaslighting’ in order to gain sympathy. #RacismBayern3 continues to trend on twitter as of this writing as fans from various nationalities and fandoms express their frustration and rejection of such racist remarks.
What do you think of their apology?
Fake apology. He’s still defending his actions. Why does he have a problem with bts covering fix you by coldplay? If you don’t like it then don’t listen to it! Just listen to the original song. when coldplay doesn’t have a problem with BTS covering their song n also appreciated it, eho is he to get angry on their covering his favourite song?
This is what happens when you don’t use your brain when you speak.
Nobody could have a opinion about the korean dolls, because the terrorists and the cowing firends become butthurt.