It was revealed that the infamous German radio host of Bayern 3 has been fired.
Keep on reading to know more.
Matthias Matuschik Fired From Show After Comparing BTS to COVID-19
On May 27, local time, German media outlet, DWDL reported that the host of the Bavarian radio station Bayern 3, Matthias Matuschik, has been fired from his radio program. In addition, the radio station also announced that the program he has been on for more than 13 years will finally be coming to an end.
Back in February 2021, Matthias Matuschik became the headline after making racist "jokes" against BTS and comparing the seven-member group to COVID-19 during a radio broadcast. His comments came after seeing BTS made a cover of British rock band Coldplay's "Fix You" during their appearance on MTV's Unplugged special.
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Matthias Matuschik called BTS's cover a "blasphemy" and said that the group is "some crappy virus that hopefully there will be a vaccine for soon as well," referring to COVID-19. He then added he had nothing against South Korea and that he shouldn't be accused of xenophobia just because BTS came from the country. "I have a car from South Korea. I have the coolest car around," said the German radio host.
He continued that BTS will be "vacationing" in North Korea for 20 years because of their "Fix You" cover.
Matthias Matuschik and Bayern 3 Heavily Criticized
Following his remarks, both Matthias Matuschik and Bayern 3 received heavy criticism and condemnation from both fans and the general public. Many have voiced out their anger and announced that they would be boycotting the radio station.
In addition, South Koreans who are living abroad voiced out their concerns that Matthias Matuschik's comments could incite and propel anti-Asian violence, which is already a growing issue worldwide.
With the intense backlash, Bayern 3 released an apology, stating that while Matthias Matuschik presented his opinions in an ironic and exaggerated way with exaggerated excitement, his remarks went too far and hurt the feelings of fans of BTS.
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Bayern 3 continued to explain that Matthias Matuschik has assured the station that he had not intended that kind of outcome and just wanted to voice out his displeasure on BTS's cover. They also mentioned that the radio host has been involved in aiding refugees and constantly campaigns against right-wing extremism, xenophobia, and racism.
However, fans continued to demand the dismissal of the host, which eventually led to his removal from the station.
Meanwhile, according to a report made by the United Nations, there were more than 1,800 racial incidents against Asian-Americans in the United States from March to May 2020 alone, in connection to COVID-19.
Check out BTS's cover of Coldplay's "Fix You" here:
What are your thoughts on Matthias Matuschik's removal?
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Written by Robyn Joan
