Charlie Puth took to Twitter on Sunday (July 5) to make a passionate plea for BTS fans to back off on what he calls a “dangerous and toxic Internet scream among ‘fandoms'”.
The singer-songwriter was responding to BTS ARMY fans, as the legions of K-pop group fans are known, who apparently spammed several of their TikTok posts with comments that annoyed the singer. “Remember when you used Jungkook to influence?” Wrote one, referring to the 22-year-old BTS member. Other posts claimed that Puth used BTS for “fame.”
The meat confused the Rumson, NJ native, who had performed a duet of “We Don’t Talk Anymore” with Jungkook at the MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards in 2018. He praised the group’s talent and called for a truce.
Puth wrote: “I don’t usually think about things like this, but something needs to be said. … I’m 28 years old, so it really doesn’t mean anything to me when a person I don’t know writes me an unpleasant message saying things like ‘I used BTS as an influence’. I don’t know what that means: I love those guys and they are super talented. “Their message was retweeted 10,000 times in three hours.
Noting how such comments could affect those struggling with mental health and bullying, Puth added: “What I do know is that 10 years ago, language like this directed at me would have profoundly affected me in a very negative way. And I’m thinking of all the other little kids on Twitter who see things like this on a daily basis. “
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In conclusion, he wrote: “It may sound cliche, but please be nicer here. No more screaming about made up nonsense. It is of no use to anyone. We all need to love each other MORE THAN EVER RIGHT NOW. “
BTS fans on Twitter reacted with some confusion, citing a difference between the group’s Twitter and TikTok fans.
“Hi Charlie,” wrote fan Melodymostly2. “I apologize on behalf of the mature ARMY. This is very embarrassing and thanks for being mature on this issue against you. I hope you still have good eyes towards BTS. The fan does not reflect his artist 100%, which I am sure you understand. Thank you and be happy.
With the BTS 2020 stadium tour postponed due to the coronavirus, the group, which is made up of members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, broadcast live their own event “Bang Bang Con: The Live ” The intimate performance included a song list of 14 songs that paid tribute to BTS’s seven years together, from the group’s early recordings (the 2014 rap ballad “Just One Day”) to selections from their current hit album, “Map of the Soul: 7”. “
