HYBE Further Clarifies Details About The Body Check Controversy At &TEAM’s Fansign
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HYBE recently faced backlash for alleged sexual harassment during a fansign for &TEAM. The body checks at the event were stricter than usual, with fans claiming that their undergarments were searched as well. One fan was even taken to a separate area where their shirt was lifted up. While the area was separate from the main fansign area, it was not restricted. The fan claimed that someone entered and witnessed their search.
HYBE Under Fire For Alleged Sexual Harassment During Fan Undergarment Search Before Fansign Events
In response to this, HYBE issued a statement that apologized to fans. They also explained that all search personnel were female. HYBE claimed that they had no choice as recording devices were hidden on the fans’ bodies.
After the initial apology on Weverse, the label made an additional statement to Sports Chosun. They claimed that fans were not touched out of the blue, and that the female security staff only touched the fans after saying, “I will touch you for a moment.”
HYBE also stated that the security team only used the backs of their hands to roughly check places that were under suspicion of having recording devices hidden at. They also asked fans to remove the devices with their own hands. HYBE clarified that the staff did not place their hands inside fans’ garments and did not raise the fans’ clothing directly.
Despite this, many still consider the personnel’s actions as unnecessary and a form of sexual harassment. Without an official search warrant, it would actually be considered illegal to conduct.
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