During a recent live broadcast, BTS‘s RM addressed the criticism he received after sharing a song on his Instagram deemed Islamaphobic.
On August 16, RM shared a track to his Instagram story, which is not unusual for the star. The song shared is a track from Frank Ocean’s debut studio album, Channel Orange, titled “Bad Religion.”
Some Muslims found the song’s lyrics problematic despite having a double meaning, leading to the current mixed reaction RM faces over sharing the song as some seek to clarify its deeper meanings.
BTS’ RM shared an islamophobic song on his ig story and i’m talking about me and all muslims that this is shameful bcs he’s a @/UNICEF ambassador who is supposed to fight rac!sm not to support and what is happening now is he insulting Islam openly? pic.twitter.com/a6UMLmtDY7
— ari (@gorwony) August 16, 2023
On August 30, BTS’s RM went on Weverse to chat with fans.
Yet, while RM wanted to speak to fans casually, it seems like the comments meant that the idol had to address the issue. During the live broadcast, RM directly spoke about the controversy, emphasizing that he knew what was being spoken about in the comments and set the record straight.
I know what you’re talking about, you keep telling me that I insulted a religion, but I didn’t.
— RM
The idol then went on to explain that when he posted the song, he never had any intention to insult a religion, sharing that he has respect for everyone, but he saw what was happening online.
There was no intention to insult a religion. I respect every belief and religion. That’s all I can say, so please don’t. I know what’s going on Instagram. I can see, but I never, there was no such purpose or at least one percent of my heart with the intention to insult a religion, okay?
— RM
In particular, while he emphasized that he wasn’t apologizing because he had no harmful intention, he wanted fans to believe his words and that he was expressing his thoughts.
It’s a song, okay? I’m not apologizing, I am just saying. I am 30 years old. I can express my true thoughts. Please, the word is the word, it is what it is. Please believe my words from myself, not just gassing, pretending, and assuming, okay?
— RM
RM then explained that while he knows some people might not believe him, he wants ARMYs to believe his own words and that he genuinely didn’t intend to hurt anyone.
I know my limits. Even though I am telling the truth, I know I can’t convince or persuade everyone, and maybe some people will still think of me as ‘he is still lying, you have that intention or purpose to insult,’ which I didn’t. I never.
— RM
RM acknowledged what ARMYs said in the comments but wanted to share that he was being honest and wanted fans to believe him.
Guys, I understand what you are saying. I just can’t lie to you, I am just being honest. Please believe me.
— RM
Before changing the subject, the idol explained that he didn’t want to address it, but he had seen it online and wanted to share his own side.
I didn’t want to say about this, but some people are making me say about this. I’ve been holding my things in my heart for like ten years, but now I can’t deal with this, I have to say. If it’s me, believe my own words.
— RM
You can read more about the original criticism below.
BTS’s RM Faces Backlash After Sharing An “Islamophobic” Song
