On July 10 (KST), Billboard’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted an update about BLACKPINK, mentioning LISA’s upcoming headline performance at the Global Citizen Festival and Jennie’s recent apology for vaping indoors.
Many fans criticized Billboard, a music-focused media outlet, for including Jennie’s non-music-related controversy in their update. Fans felt it was unnecessary and detracted from the positive focus on LISA’s achievement. Some interpreted the post as pitting Jennie’s apology against LISA’s career milestone, which sparked anger among the fandom.
Comments under Billboard’s post expressed disappointment and accused the site of seeking attention at the expense of the artists’ reputations. Criticisms like “That headline was unnecessary” and “You are doing anything for clout” reflected fan frustration with Billboard’s editorial choices.
The incident highlighted fans’ sensitivity to how media outlets portray their favorite artists, especially in juxtaposing personal controversies with professional achievements.