Filipino Delivery Drivers Who Called BTS Homophobic Slurs Get Suspended By Grab Philippines

Prior to the Philippine launch of BTS‘s collaboration with McDonald’s, delivery service Grab was called out for the allegedly disrespectful statements made by their drivers.

On June 16, a Filipino ARMY posted screenshots of a thread made in a Facebook community exclusive to Grab drivers. One employee shared the company’s advertisement promoting the “BTS Meal” and implied that fellow motorists should boycott the event.

Facebook post of a Grab Philippines driver insulting BTS | *@vmindables/Twitter*

Are you guys ready to take a day off on Friday, fellow BIOT 🤣

— Grab Driver

“Biot” is a derogatory term used to demean homosexual men, further inciting the anger of BTS fans. They pointed out that such a nickname makes a mockery out of the LGBTQ+ community.

I just dont undrstnd how ppl would say the most awful things just for the sake of entertainment & joining the bandwagon of hate & discrimination not just on BTS but also in the LGBTQ+ community. Using B*SB**T as an insult & laugh abt it proves that they see the LGBTQ+ as mockery.

— via 채월🌙⁷ 원호에게 자유를 주다 (@vmindables) June 17, 2021

Thank you for responding. However, it seems that there are (and will be) people affiliated with your service who continue to display homophobic & xenophobic behavior. This isn’t just about BTS. They using a slur that is harmful & offensive towards the members of the LGBTQ+ community

— TATA MIC💜⁷🧈 (@yeontaeberrykim) June 17, 2021

Far from being the only person who had the same thoughts on the Korean boy group, other Grab drivers responded to the post by echoing the insult and adding their own curse words.

While some did not want the collective group of drivers to suffer due to the comments of a few, fans urged one another to avoid using the delivery service.

@grabph teach your drivers/riders proper manners and professionalism. Filo ARMYs, don’t use the grab food in ordering the BTS Meal. Either go for the dine-in procedure or the @McDo_PH delivery services. pic.twitter.com/4qGSunfH4o

— via 채월🌙⁷ 원호에게 자유를 주다 (@vmindables) June 16, 2021

Grab Philippines gave an official response to the issue after the Twitter post went viral. They affirmed that they do not tolerate “inexcusable behaviors” as they try to have an “inclusive and diverse platform.”

The company reassured their users that they have suspended the delivery partners who posted the crude remarks.

Grab Philippines’ statement | *@vmindables/Twitter*

Inclusivity is one of Grab’s core values, and we have zero-tolerance policy for inexcusable behaviors. We have immediately suspended the delivery-partners in question and will continue to work hard to maintain an inclusive and diverse platform.

— Grab Philippines

They urged Filipinos to continue using their service for the sake of their community of Grab drivers who work hard to support their families.

Our delivery partners continue to provide significant services for our [countrymen] during these trying times. We hope that our consumers will not let the actions of a few select individuals affect the livelihoods of the many delivery-partners who rely on the Grab platform to support their families.

— Grab Philippines

The “BTS Meal” launched in the Philippines on June 18. It was made available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery via the McDonald’s delivery app, Grab Philippines, and other partners.