Lea Salonga, the celebrated Broadway star, has revealed her decision to unfollow BTS members RM and J-Hope, citing the need to prioritize her mental health amid fan backlash.
Emotional Wellbeing Takes Precedence
Yes I did unfollow, but I did it for my own sake. It’s not meant to be punitive to either of them, at all.
Lea Salonga
Salonga's action came after RM and J-Hope attended a Chris Brown concert in Toronto, which drew criticism from some fans due to Brown's controversial past.
- Salonga felt emotionally affected by the backlash surrounding the BTS members.
- She acknowledged that her decision was not intended to punish RM or J-Hope.
On Threads, Salonga explained that she had been feeling sad and upset, prompting her decision to take a step back. She emphasized her autonomy in making personal choices.
The backlash against BTS arose after videos surfaced of the members singing along to Brown’s songs, igniting discussions among fans regarding the ethics of supporting artists with troubling histories.
Despite her decision to unfollow, Salonga expressed gratitude for BTS's impact on her life, particularly during challenging times in 2020, including personal struggles and the pandemic.
I was navigating my marriage ending, raising a teenager, and a global pandemic... They saved my sanity when I needed saving.
Lea Salonga
Her experience highlights the complex relationship between fans and artists, particularly in the age of social media where personal choices can lead to significant public scrutiny.