The cyber universe is buzzing with controversy as Aaron Yan, a Taiwanese singer-actor, faces severe backlash for his alleged inappropriate comments towards TXT, a popular K-pop boy band.
The spark ignited just days after Yan was accused by Yao Le, a content creator, of sexual assault during his minor years.
Digging up the Past
Amid this burgeoning #MeToo scenario, internet users turned their attention to Yan's past social media activities. What they discovered has ignited further outrage.
It seems a Facebook account, reportedly Yan's, had left an inappropriate comment about TXT last year on a fan account's picture.
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The photo in question, taken during TXT's "LO$ER=LO♡ER" era, features all five band members, with Huening Kai, the youngest member, in the center.
The Controversial Comment
The Facebook account in question reportedly expressed a lewd desire to undress the individual at the center of the image, who was Huening Kai.
The comment left many online users taken aback, and a few questioned if the account belonged to Yan, to which Yan's account dismissed the query.
Another user was taken aback at the audacity of such a comment about Huening Kai, to which the account nonchalantly offered to switch the target to Yeonjun, another TXT member.
The Fallout
The legitimacy of the account making these comments is still under question. However, these remarks, which remain visible to the public, have stirred up a significant level of anger within the digital community.
Many view these comments as a reprehensible act of sexual harassment towards the young idols, regardless of the poster's true identity.
Aaron Yan Unexpected Appearance
Following his #MeToo allegations, Yao Le organized a press conference to delve deeper into the issue. Unexpectedly, Yan appeared uninvited at this event.
Before this, he had reacted to Yao Le's charges with a public apology on Facebook, along with a pledge to support Yao Le in overcoming the traumatic experience and make amends for his actions.
A Tale of Two Narratives
At the conference, Yan projected two different personas. To Yao Le, he expressed his remorse, assuring him he won't interfere with the press conference.
However, to the media, he steadfastly maintained his innocence, stating that everything that occurred between Yao Le and him was consensual.
Yao Le, however, accused Yan of issuing a belated apology and misleading the public. After his initial #MeToo post, Yao Le revealed that Yan tried to contact him, but he refused to engage. Yan's subsequent response prompted Yao Le to stand up for himself, publicly accusing Yan of insincerity and dishonesty.
As this saga unfolds, the fans of TXT are voicing their concern and support for the young idols who have been caught in the crossfire of this controversy.
Despite the yet unproven allegations, the impact of such accusations is a stern reminder of the power and responsibility that come with public influence.
