BTS condemns anti-Asian racism
K-pop superstar group BTS has condemned racism against Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in a statement saying they’ve experienced it themselves.
“We stand against racial discrimination,” BTS tweeted Tuesday in English and Korean. The band said their own painful encounters with racism included “expletives” and being “mocked for the way” they look.
BTS issued their statement after recent attacks against people with Asian heritage in the U.S., which have risen during the pandemic. A white gunman recently killed eight people, including six women of Asian descent, at Atlanta-area massage businesses.
“We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence,” the band said in the statement, adding that their experiences made them feel powerless and chipped away at their self-esteem. In February, a German radio station drew ire when a host compared the band to the coronavirus.
The band said that although the discrimination they endured is “inconsequential” compared to “events that have occurred over the past few weeks,” they felt the need to speak out. “What’s happening right now cannot be disassociated from our identity as Asians,” the band said.
Goldberg, Day, Zendaya among Essence award honorees:
Whoopi Goldberg, Andra Day and Zendaya will be among the honorees at this year’s Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, which will be livestreamed during Oscars week.
Essence announced Tuesday the honorees for the 14th annual ceremony on April 22. In addition to award-winning actor Goldberg and “Euphoria” star Zendaya, honorees include actor, singer and songwriter Cynthia Erivo and actor Michaela Coel.
Day, who is up for an Oscar for her role in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” will also perform.
“Orange Is the New Black” actor Laverne Cox is set to host the event whose theme this year is “Mastering Our Stories,” with a focus on the resiliency of Black women in Hollywood throughout its history and during the pandemic year.
The event, since 2008 an invite-only luncheon, will be livestreamed at Essence. com.
Grande named ‘Voice’ coach:
Ariana Grande is joining season 21 of NBC’s “The Voice” in the fall. She is “beyond thrilled, honored, excited” to be joining fellow coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Blake Shelton on the series, she tweeted Tuesday. The pop star is stepping into the giant red chair left vacant by Nick Jonas, who will not be back as a coach. Jonas first joined “The Voice” in season 18, and returned in season 20 as a coach.
March 31 birthdays:
Actor William Daniels is 94. Actor Shirley Jones is 87. Musician Herb Alpert is 86. Actor Christopher Walken is 78. Actor Rhea Perlman is 73. Guitarist Angus Young is 66. Actor Ewan McGregor is 50. Actor Erica Tazel is 44. Actor Brian Tyree Henry is 39. Trumpeter Christian Scott is 38.