BTS leader RM has addressed accusations of xenophobia following a controversy over his recent message asking fans in Peru to stop gathering outside the group’s hotel.
While his clarification was welcomed by many supporters, the situation has sparked a fresh wave of criticism from other fans, who questioned why he chose to address this controversy while remaining silent about a separate issue involving singer Chris Brown.
The controversy began after RM posted a message on Weverse during BTS’ ongoing world tour.
He explained that crowds gathering outside the group’s accommodation were making it difficult for the members and staff to rest, with noise reportedly reaching their hotel rooms.
He also appealed to fans in other countries on the tour to respect the group’s privacy.
However, some fans in Peru and other parts of South America felt that the message singled out their region, arguing that similar incidents involving crowds around celebrities had occurred elsewhere.
The resulting debate divided opinions within the fandom, prompting RM to address the matter directly during BTS’ second concert in Lima on October 9, 2026.
RM Clarifies His Message During BTS’ Lima Concert
During the concert, RM spoke to the audience about his earlier Weverse post and explained that his request was not intended to target Peru or Latin America specifically.
He acknowledged that similar situations had occurred in Europe and the United States, emphasizing that his concern was about the behaviour of certain fans rather than their nationality.
RM also expressed appreciation for Peruvian fans and reassured the audience that BTS would never discriminate against fans based on where they came from.
He encouraged fans not to become caught up in divisive discussions and reiterated the importance of respecting the group’s privacy.
His clarification received support from many ARMYs, who argued that his original message was a reasonable request for privacy and consideration.
Some supporters pointed to reports and videos of large crowds gathering outside the hotel, with loud screaming and claims that lasers had been directed toward the building’s rooms.
For these fans, RM’s request was about the safety and well-being of BTS, their staff, and other hotel guests rather than an attempt to criticize an entire country.
They also stressed that respectful boundaries between artists and fans are necessary, regardless of where a concert takes place.
Nevertheless, the explanation did not end the discussion.
While some fans appreciated his willingness to address the accusations publicly, others continued to question the timing and scope of his response.
Fans Bring Up the Separate Chris Brown Controversy
Following RM’s clarification, a different debate emerged on social media.
Some fans questioned why he had responded directly to the xenophobia allegations while not publicly addressing the criticism surrounding his association with Chris Brown.
The separate controversy dates back to August 2026, when RM and fellow BTS member J-Hope were seen attending a Chris Brown concert and subsequently appearing in a photograph shared on the singer’s Instagram account.
The images prompted criticism from some fans, who called for the BTS members to explain their association with Brown.
Neither member had publicly addressed those demands at the time of the latest controversy.
Some fans argued that RM’s latest statement demonstrated his awareness of discussions taking place online and questioned why he had not responded to the earlier criticism.
Others maintained that the two situations were different and that his request for privacy during the tour deserved to be considered separately.
The reactions illustrate the continuing divide among fans over how public figures should respond to criticism.
While some supporters praised RM for clarifying his intentions and defending the need for personal space, others remained dissatisfied because they wanted him to address additional concerns.
For now, RM’s comments have clarified that his message about hotel crowds was intended as a broader appeal for respectful behaviour, not an attack on Peruvian or Latin American fans.
However, the renewed discussion surrounding his earlier association with Chris Brown shows that the wider debate within the fandom is far from over.
