“Free Palestine, Free Congo” — BLACKSWAN Fatou’s Latest Show Of Support Sparks A Heated Discussion
The multi-national girl group BLACKSWAN have often gained attention for not having Korean members following a long group history, but they have worked hard to show the world their talent. This has led many to support the K-Pop group chasing their dreams.
Another aspect of BLACKSWAN that fans love is how unfiltered the group is at all times. This usually results in humorous moments during the group’s livestreams…
LMFAOOO pic.twitter.com/VYMqCz8L6v
— FREE(🇨🇩🇵🇸🇸🇩) (@Dinoswife0_0) April 5, 2024
…but also appears for more serious topics, as well.
In particular, Fatou has been direct and outspoken about her support for Palestine, often sharing pro-Palestine messages during these same live streams.
Recently, Fatou’s latest show of support for those suffering during humanitarian crises sparked a discussion.
During a recent live stream, Fatou appears to respond to a comment by saying “Free Palestine,” repeating the statement as “obvious.”
Free Palestine, obviously. Free Palestine, free Palestine. I’ll say it how many, as how many times, I’ll say it a thousand times. Free Palestine, free Palestine. Let them be free.
— Fatou
In a clip from the same live, she continues discussing the statement, wondering out loud why it was “something so difficult.” She repeats “Free Palestine,” adding “Free Congo” and says that it is simply “being a human.”
I don’t know why that’s something so difficult to say. Just say free Palestine, that’s it. Free Congo, that’s it. It’s just being a human, it’s not difficult.
— Fatou
Many appreciated the comments coming from Fatou, as many idols have not been open with their support.
it means a lot having someone speak up in an industry that is unabashedly working with zionists and idols pretending like nothing is going on despite the reach they have https://t.co/ja721YqRfX
— ⭐️ (@user277789) May 12, 2024
Also this is a black woman who might have always been subjected to racism in her everyday life especially in her career(not given chances because she’s black) but still chose to talk about what’s going on https://t.co/dQA3T1dh98
— Ade樂 -⋆⭒˚｡⋆ (@pinkpskz) May 11, 2024
Others took her comment as a way of questioning her peers, other K-Pop idols, for their lack of support. One argument defending idols for remaining quiet on their stance has offered the explanation that it could be career damaging, or that their companies have instructed them not to.
Many reason that Fatou is from a lesser known company and faces a greater “risk” for showing support and that there are no “excuses” for not doing so.
also I don’t wanna hear any word about “she’s from a small lesser known group so she doesn’t have anything to lose” she has the MOST to lose as a black woman in an industry that barely accepts her in a group so small and less stable fanbase she has the most to lose. https://t.co/c8DmdoZ0QT
— joshua 樂★ (@sunjaedolly) May 11, 2024
she is a foreigner and black in a very toxic industry and she's publicly speaking about Palestine and risking her career this alone should be make y'all realize that it's not about the kpop artists not being able to speak up it's bc they don't want to https://t.co/QLmCLW4qV6
— lizzy 🇵🇸 a hopeless romantic (@cardansnemesis) May 11, 2024
i just want to add that your faves will not get attacked in any way for being pro palestine in a country that is openly pro palestine. fatou has wayy more too lose than the other kpop idols especially korean ones. they simply don't care. they know what's going on. https://t.co/57qYk38jUx
— fefe⁷🇿🇦 (@jungleighobi) May 12, 2024
Rather than using idols as a moral compass, many fans wish for them to use their positions to spread awareness, which can lead to more direct support like donations.
