BTS leader RM suspended from anti-violence role model list

RM, the leader of the K-pop group BTS, has been indefinitely suspended from The Pixel Project’s list of male role models. The nonprofit, which campaigns to end violence against women, made the decision following a backstage photograph of RM and fellow member J-Hope with American singer Chris Brown at a concert in Toronto.

The organization stated that it had waited a week for RM to address the controversy, but ultimately decided to act because “that silence is deafening.” The Pixel Project emphasized that the decision was based on the broader message sent by influential global figures, noting that the association could be hurtful to their significant female fanbase.

The nonprofit also announced it will revisit a previous opinion piece that had characterized RM as a “good but imperfect” role model. The controversy has sparked debate among fans and advocates regarding the level of responsibility celebrities hold when associating with individuals who have histories of violence.