The Project has come under fire over a “racist” joke aimed at a member of South Korean boyband, BTS.
An online backlash spurred by the band’s legions of fans led the hashtag “Stop Asian Hate” to trend on Twitter.
A segment aired by the program on Sunday used manipulative editing to suggest one of the band members had COVID-19 while at the Grammys.
It showed the group being asked by Grammys host Trevor Noah how they were feeling, to which they replied, “great”.
The segment then used footage of one band member, Kim “V” Tae-hyung, miming into his hand, over which the show dubbed cough noises and cartoonish COVID-19 particles coming out of his mouth.
“K-Pop sensation BTS dropped in, dismissing their very recent battles with COVID-19,” Project host Chrissie Swan narrated over the segment.
One of the band members had tested positive for COVID-19 on March 27, but was subsequently cleared to play at the Grammys after quarantining and returning a negative test.
Known for their solid organisational skills and die-hard defense of the band, BTS fans reacted strongly to the segment, which they took to suggest COVID-19 was spread more by Asian people.
“Wtf – we’re Asian doesn’t mean we spread COVID,” one fan said.
Many who posted online demanded an apology from The Project to the band, whxjmtzywich is yet to be received, however a tweet containing the clip was subsequently removed.
An Australian-based fan group for Tae-hyung encouraged its almost 6500 followers to file a formal complaint against the show.
“A popular Australian show has resorted to cheap, derogatory editing & racism in the name of comedy,” it said.
“Racism is never funny in any situation. We condemn these microaggressions being demonstrated towards Asian artists & demand a takedown of the post & a formal apology.”
On the same day, project co-host Jan Fran accused Australia of being “full of racists” following allegations Scott Morrison used racist tactics to win his seat in the 2007 federal election.
“Lemme tell you what ethnic minorities have known since forever in this country. Those in power (and it ain’t just Morrison) will use you when it’s politically expedient,” she said online.
“The solidarity, appreciation, respect they show is always, ALWAYS conditional. They will turn on a dime.”
