Stray Kids, the pioneering K-pop group, made history at the 2024 Met Gala on Monday, June 5th. Their presence marked a milestone as the first complete K-pop ensemble to grace this prestigious annual event.
However, what should have been a momentous occasion was tarnished by unfortunate events. Allegations emerged of derogatory remarks from red carpet photographers during their photo sessions. Here’s a breakdown of the events, as reported by Koreaboo.
1. Stray Kids Invited by Tommy Hilfiger to the 2024 Met Gala
Stray Kids (twitter.com/TommyHilfiger)Tommy Hilfiger extended the invitation to Stray Kids to attend the 2024 Met Gala. The group made their entrance in designer outfits featuring a vibrant red, white, and blue color scheme, capturing attention and earning praise for their performance.
2. Photographer Allegedly Mocks Stray Kids
Stray Kids (twitter.com/TommyHilfiger)Despite their remarkable appearance, Stray Kids faced disparaging comments from some photographers. Fans noticed sarcasm directed towards the group, with derogatory remarks likening them to ‘robots’ and comments on their lack of emotion.
3. Fan Outrage and Investigation
Stray Kids (twitter.com/TommyHilfiger)Fans, outraged by the perceived insults, launched an investigation to identify the individuals responsible. They uncovered a photographer named Sean Zanni, accused of making negative remarks, prompting calls for an apology through social media campaigns.
4. Bang Chan’s Calm Response
Bang Chan’s reaction at the Met Gala received praise (twitter.com/linonino)Amidst the commotion, Stray Kids’ leader, Bang Chan, garnered praise for his composed reaction. Despite the taunts, he maintained his composure, leading his members away from the situation with grace and professionalism.
5. Media Condemnation
Jennie BLACKPINK and Stray Kids at the MET Gala 2024 (instagram.com/voguehongkong)The incident did not go unnoticed by major media outlets. Both Billboard and Rolling Stone condemned the photographers’ behavior, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity in the entertainment industry. They commended Bang Chan’s handling of the situation, emphasizing his leadership qualities.
As discussions surrounding the incident continue, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and inclusivity in all aspects of public events.