Jewish Human Rights Organization Accepts Big Hit’s Apology, Fans Demand Apology In Return
The Jewish human rights organization, Simon Wiesenthal Center, has accepted the apology made by Big Hit Entertainment for the incidents offensive to Jewish and Japanese victims of World War Two.
The organization had previously denounced BTS over alleged “anti-semitism” for “wearing a hat emblazoned with the Nazi SS ‘Totenkopf’ emblem, wearing a t-shirt with pictures of the WWII atomic bombs, and the band performing in costumes resembling SS uniforms and flying Nazi-like flags“.
International Jewish Human Rights Organization Denounces BTS Over Alleged “Anti-Semitism”
Rabbi Abraham Cooper, the Wiesenthal Center’s Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action, called for an apology to Japan and the victims of Nazism.
“The outrageous incidents reveal a basic lack of knowledge of history’s darkest chapters that endangers the future of younger generations. We are reaching out to BTS and their management to urge that they harness their international fame to celebrate the good not serve the forces of evil.”
ㅡ Rabbi Cooper
In addition to their official statement regarding the recent issues surrounding BTS, Big Hit Entertainment sent a letter to the center, apologizing to anyone who may have taken offense in regards to the matter.
Wiesenthal Center has announced that the apology was well accepted.
Meanwhile, fans are angered by the center’s lack of mentioning their misunderstandings and have been demanding that they make an apology to Big Hit Entertainment and BTS as well.
I do not know why the Simon Wiesenthal Center does not apologize for any misconceptions about the flag. They should at least apologize for their misunderstanding. I wonder does the organization even works for humans rights?@simonwiesenthal #TshirtForLibertyNotForNuclearBomb pic.twitter.com/6SbRxEx2aO
— LΩRΣΠ (@loren_zzi) November 14, 2018
In fact, the “Nazi-like flags” that the center has brought up supposedly represented the song “Classroom Idea”, which criticizes the education system in Korea, and were props given to the group for their performance at Seo Taiji’s concert.
The Wiesenthal Center quoted Reddit and a Japanese far right extremist in their initial statement. To me (and I hope most journalist) those aren’t quality sources. The flag pic was from a performance critiquing the education system in Korea, this is the flag symbol. pic.twitter.com/ktL6dFcp48
— Waste It On Me KiiKii (@callmeKiiKii) November 14, 2018
One fan had contacted Seo Taiji’s company, who had apparently responded and clarified that they were in the process of reviewing the details and preparing to take further action against false reports.
I send a report to bighit and also to seotaiji company last saturday. And I received a reply this morning. pic.twitter.com/N87oSG1C46
— 💜Kate Andrea🖤 (@YoonMinssi_) November 12, 2018
Meanwhile, fans continue to shame the Wiesenthal Center for their lack of proper research in regards to the matter, with some claiming that the center’s actions are a result of the center’s lack of funding.
They do not have a great reputation anyway. I can't see any other reason other than for money and since city council cut funding for it like 2 years ago, I imagine money must be tight.https://t.co/hsGb9nAadZ
— imflowers (@anotheryuzu) November 14, 2018
I can’t believe the Simon Wiesenthal Center is siding with n*zis and believe made up and photoshopped „evidence“ made by actual right wingers. Your organization did a lot of important work and now you ruined your reputation by siding with the people you actually fight against
— Liz 🌒 𝙼𝙾𝙽𝙾 (@LJunKiz) November 12, 2018
It seems like it's very useless to even argue with them. when money talks, everybody listens… https://t.co/MZr86L2NZo
— #AlwaysWithBTS 💜💞 (@queentaex) November 14, 2018
pic: a small boat on a purple background, and graduation clothing flag
wiesenthal center: omg !!! a n*azi concert !!!!1!1!!1!1!1!1 pic.twitter.com/niY7pNH3jN
— SUNNY #BTSNATION (@sunny_1306_) November 14, 2018
This organization is a fucking disgrace. I’ve looked up who Simon Wiesenthal and he was an honorable man. pic.twitter.com/VP02EdPuZ0
— PhD in streaming, int’l relations and 💜 (@Modooborahae) November 14, 2018
