Popular YouTuber IShowSpeed is garnering backlash for sexualizing girl group NewJeans in a livestream. Keep on reading for all the details.
IShowSpeed Sexualizes NewJeans in Past Livestream
A clip originally uploaded on August 25, 2023, is going viral among K-pop fans. The video shows popular YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins, reacting to NewJeans' music video for "Super Shy."
However, the video is going viral for all the wrong reasons. Before the video starter garnered views, the clip on YouTube was titled "IShowSpeed reacts to New Jeans - Super Shy (GETS BON*R)." Following the backlash, the title was changed to "IShowSpeed reacts to New Jeans - Super Shy." While writing, the video was made private.
During the video, IShowSpeed immediately hones in on Hyein, the group's maknae, and says, "She's fine as f*ck." People in his live stream then inform him that Hyein a minor, with someone saying she is 12 years old. IShowSpeed reacts in surprise, repeatedly asking, "She's 12?!"
MORE NEWJEANS: NewJeans Surpasses THIS SM Girl Group as Fastest K-pop Female Artist to Achieve 'Double-Million Seller Status
For reference, Hyein is 15 years old. IShowSpeed is 18 years old, turning 19 on January 21.
While he watched the video, IShowSpeed continued to show suspicious behavior when Hyein appeared on the screen. While the music video was focused on Hyein dancing the chorus, he was seen smiling, biting his lips, and smashing his desk. At one point, he gets up and implicitly shows viewers his bon*r.
He then pauses the video and starts mumbling under his breath. He talks about how he had his first sexual encounter when he was 15 years old and how it "changed his life." He also mentions how it helped him discover his sexuality.
However, it appears that IShowSpeed became aware of the hate and told viewers that people can say whatever they want but that he would just ignore the noise. He then states that he does not care what other people say and continues reacting to the video.
The music video then reaches the part where Hyein sings, "And I wanna go out with you / Where you wanna go? / Find a lil spot / Just sit and talk / Looking pretty / Follow me / You and I are side-by-side." IShowSpeed then stops watching the music video and claims Hyein is lying to him, saying, "You don't want to go out with me."
IShowSpeed Draws Backlash For Sexualizing NewJeans
As the video was shared online, Bunnies took to the comment section and other social media platforms to show their disgust and anger at the YouTuber.
i need him GONE pic.twitter.com/1oz4Kf1xLS
— head tokkirose (@T0KKIROSE) January 14, 2024
Many slammed him for making sexual remarks towards Hyein, especially after his viewers warned him that she was a minor. People are urging others to report the YouTuber to HYBE, hoping the company will take swift legal action against him.
🚨🚨🚨🚨OS FÃS DESSE NOJENTO ESTÃO DERRUBANDO TODAS AS CONTAS QUE ESTÃO FALANDO SOBRE ISSO!!!!
— NEWJEANS TV (@NewjeansTVille) January 14, 2024
Alguém dos comentários diz que a Hyein tem 12 anos (ela tem 15, mas ainda é uma menor). E mesmo depois dele achar que ela tem 12, ele mostrando uma excit4ca0. https://t.co/0p5mu3dRDm pic.twitter.com/KOxZIZ8jTw
Some comments read,
"I don't care if it's part of his character; this is disgusting behavior. There is nothing funny about it."
"What a creep."
"I didn't think that something as normal as a music video would make someone like this. You're sick, bro."
Currently, IShowSpeed and HYBE Labels have not responded to the controversy.
What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lopez
