Controversial Idol Group Disbanded Amid Death Threats And Doxxing

The California-based Indie idol group SORB3T disbanded, but many didn’t know until now.

The group went viral last year in May when they posted a video on TikTok, teaching netizens their call and responses. Alice, Berry, and Ashe, who dressed in green, pink, and red matching outfits, received hate for being “cringe.” The leader, Berry, especially was criticized for cultural appropriation since she’s White but used Japanese pronunciations in her call-and-response. For example, she said “sutoroberī” instead of “strawberry.”

After the viral video, Berry posted an apology video, revealing her authentic accent. She explained that her call-and-response was partially in Japanese because while SORB3T’s songs are in English, her solo music will be in Japanese. She also defended her initial call-and-response, claiming it originated from her boyfriend, who is Japanese. Still, she changed it to appease netizens and make it less offensive.

I genuinely and wholeheartedly apologize to every single person that I have upset or that I have offended with my call and response … I, as a white person, have an insane amount of privilege, and I will never truly understand the struggles that people of color go through.

— Berry

Recently, Berry addressed the SORB3T controversy again as she has received multiple comments asking about the group, the members, etc., while she has been promoting as a solo artist.

I am just so, so tired of receiving comments pertaining to SORB3T or my fellow ex-members.

— Berry

@blooberrytrain

Replying to @sunoo’s wife <3 (real!) i apologize if my face looks a bit ✨crusty✨, skin still hasn’t fully recovered from allergic reaction 😭 also cried today but we don’t need to talk about that. #sorb3t #berrychan

♬ Lofi-style, calm and stylish sound – 8LY

Berry revealed that SORB3T has disbanded since July 2023, making it six months now. She explained that they never announced it via TikTok because that was where they were victims of intense cyber-bullying. They received death threats and were doxxed within a week of going viral. Still, Berry gets threats.

The reason we never announced our disbandment on TikTok is because this was the most dangerous place for us. I mean, TikTok is the app where we were arguably bullied the most on, where we received our death threats, and were doxxed the first time. Personally, all of these things are still happening to me actually, including more recently: violence threats, assault threats, and stalking. And all of that is exactly why we disbanded.

— Berry