They are widely considered the world’s biggest boy group, with global awards, record-breaking streams, and a massive fanbase. Yet BTS have found themselves at the receiving end of shocking comments made on national US television.
The incident happened during a broadcast on KJTV — Channel 34, an affiliate of Fox Broadcasting Company — while the show was discussing BTS’s recent collaboration with Oreo.
[NEWS] #BTS x OREO Cookies – New Limited Edition available in over 80 countries on June 8!
Pre-order: https://t.co/kHD1RywY5j pic.twitter.com/yOd5plBDcw
— BTS Charts News (@btschartsxdaily) May 26, 2026
Anchor James Eppler began the segment by commenting on the BTS-themed cookies, saying he “couldn’t name one BTS song.” His coworker also echoed the same sentiment.
James Epple: “BTS themed cookie, couldn’t name one BTS song.”
Female Anchor: “Me neither and it baffles me. I mean I’m sure they’re great. Obviously they keep winning every award and they’re alwasy trending but I literally can’t name one song.”
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The conversation then became even worse when James Eppler talked about the cookies’ flavor and 13 designs.
[The 13] designs when put together spell out a message to fans and that is ‘Death to America’ which I think is really strange.
— James Eppler, KJTV
The comments immediately spread online, with many fans calling the segment disrespectful and racist toward BTS. Some criticized the anchors for mocking the group while openly admitting they knew little about their music.
i wonder whats so funny in being openly racist to minorities pic.twitter.com/DWifORYgHO
— luna⁷ (@tetebbi) May 27, 2026
fox news (MAGA) in a conservative state making a racist joke about minorities …. fork unfortunately found in kitchen . https://t.co/DJCxEjAE3G
— keke⁷ 🪭 is seeing bts (@stallseok) May 27, 2026
Others said the moment was humiliating and embarrassing, especially given BTS’s global success.
oh this is so embarrassing for bts… pic.twitter.com/58A2jv6HmG
— SUMMERPIXIE (@OGSUMMERPIXIE) May 28, 2026
While many defended BTS and called out the segment for crossing a line, some netizens argued that the exchange reflected how the group is still viewed by Western media audiences.
This is so embarrassing. Actually this is the reality, nobody actually know their songs. Everyone just know the word bts but in a negative way cuz they’re just a laughingstock but nobody actually takes their music seriously, only bots and their cult. https://t.co/Shcl9kbmqj
— ۟ (@mndublinkk) May 29, 2026
So far, neither KJTV nor the anchors involved have publicly responded to the backlash.
