Best-Selling Author Under Fire For “Insulting” Daughter’s K-Pop Fandom, Responds To Criticism
Journalist and New York Times best-selling author Jeff Pearlman is receiving backlash for a now-removed video of himself visiting a K-Pop store with his daughter.
In the video, Pearlman wrote, “My daughter loves Kpop. And I am extremely, extraordinarily confused by this.” In the clip circulated, he condescendingly expressed that he expected she would have “advanced” to rappers J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar by now that she’s 21, but instead, she’s spending her money to go to an NCT concert. He continually emphasized that he has never “understood” her interest in K-Pop.
K-Pop fan and TikTok user Jpjpleeee shared her reaction to the video, triggering a debate, as the video went viral with 491.9K views at the time of writing.
@jpjpleeee If you love someone, why would you make fun of something they truly enjoy and then broadcast it on the internet?? 🙄 #kpop #kpopfyp #kpopstan #btsarmy #nct #kpoptiktok #greenscreen #greenscreenvideo
Netizens shared their personal experiences and relationships with their parents, good and bad. Some couldn’t help but feel that they were witnessing “casual racism.”
Jeff Pearlman responded to this backlash in a new video, refuting racism allegations and more. He stated he had taken his daughter to the K-Pop store and that she was by his side when he made the video. He claimed it was a joke and that she was aware of it. He defended himself and his relationship with his daughter, declaring that they are friends who share their interests with each other. Pearlman criticized social media for being quick to judge and insult someone, publicly making a video rather than reaching out with concerns personally.
@jeffpearlmanauthor My response to Kpop nation (and @jpjpleeee). In short: social media can suck. #kpop #nct127 #nctdream #music
Some netizens sided with Jeff Pearlman, recognizing his video was “satire.”
Yet, most did not. Many daughters spoke from personal experience that their fathers’ poor attempts at teasing or joking about their interests ultimately damaged their relationship.
On the other hand, Jeff Pearlman’s recent social media activity indicates that he does attempt to share his daughter’s interests and be supportive.
What do you think?
