Podcast host Wootak has responded to his controversial comments about BLACKPINK’s Jennie and IU—and let’s just say his apology didn’t exactly hit the mark! After backlash erupted from the Above The Influence episode, Wootak posted a defensive Instagram Story and a lukewarm follow-up “apology” following the intense backlash.
In his Story, Wootak claimed he wasn’t spreading hate, just repeating a story he “heard.” He insisted the viral clip that caused the fan outrage was taken out of context, and claimed, “Hate all you want idc.” According to him, the episode centered around the dark realities of the K-pop industry, which is why they used these examples of sexual arrangements with Jennie and IU.
Later, Wootak posted an “apology statement,” saying he didn’t mean to defame anyone and encouraged people to watch the full podcast before jumping to conclusions. But that wasn’t enough for fans, as many are convinced that the claims were just harmful rumors without evidence, especially when it involves real people.
As of now, neither Jennie’s agency nor IU’s team has commented on the controversy, but the pressure is growing. This incident has spotlighted the blurry line between “just talking” and defamation, and fans are pushing for clearer boundaries and real consequences.