On the same day, SEVENTEEN member The8 was almost doxxed and faced defamation as a result.
On June 4, 2024, a video of The8 at the airport in China, where he was completing his scheduled activities, began circulating online. In the footage, a fan can be seen approaching The8 and recording his private passport. The fan then makes a joke about revealing the idol’s personal information.
Why did the staff do nothing when the antis got so close to the artist and filmed his passport information, then maliciously intercepted the video content and spread the privacy insults on Weibo? PLEDIS PROTECT YOUR ARTIST #minghao #디에잇 #SEVENTEEN @pledis_17 @pledis17_STAFF pic.twitter.com/799N03Jrqf
— andhao (@star7andthe8) June 4, 2024
Upon witnessing the events, the idol gestures at the camera with a raised finger before the video abruptly cuts off.
Upon the release of the video, CARATs promptly voiced their frustration and apprehension towards the behavior of the netizens. They argued that the footage was edited in a manner that portrayed The8 in a negative light, despite the fact that he was simply attempting to safeguard his personal space.
In addition to the original offense, a well-known X (previously known as Twitter) account posted a video of The8 at the airport. The tweet falsely alleged that the SEVENTEEN member had urinated on a sacred shrine in Japan.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the idiot who peed at the Yasukuni Shrine ran back pic.twitter.com/q9NFswmRSO
— iPaul🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@iPaulCanada) June 2, 2024
CARATs quickly came to The8’s defense, refuting the accusations and expressing worry about the idol’s inability to travel without being constantly followed.
Carats, plz report this video.Context: This new media using Hao video n defaming him as a stranger who pəəd at Yasukuni Shrine in JP.Which is so funny cause he can’t even go anywhere without being stalked 😭‼️Do Not Interact‼️Community Note User 📝 https://t.co/6JvMD6KK4N
— AI🌸 (@emcarats) June 3, 2024
Shortly after, Xing Can Sheng Shi Entertainment, the China division of PLEDIS Entertainment, issued a statement regarding the situation. In the statement, they used The8’s real name, Xu Minghao, and addressed the fabricated accusations and violation of his privacy. They have also announced their intention to pursue legal action against those responsible.
Their complete statement states,
“Recently, our company has observed that certain individuals have consistently posted false information targeting our artist, Mr. Xu Minghao. These individuals have taken video clips out of context, adding inappropriate interpretations that severely slander his character. To prevent the continued spread of these false messages, which are causing public doubt and misunderstanding about Mr. Xu Minghao, we are issuing the following statement:
1. Mr. Xu Minghao’s personal identification documents are private and legally protected. No one can invade another person’s privacy through leaks, disclosures, or other means. The actions of those who purposely filmed and exposed Mr. Xu’s identification documents after immigration at the airport constitute a violation.
2. Certain netizens have distorted the truth and posted false messages. They must immediately cease their actions and delete all false content.
Regarding these improper acts and the messages that violate our artist’s privacy and reputation, our company has been collecting evidence and reserves the right to take legal action against the responsible parties. Additionally, we urge the public to respect and protect others’ privacy and reputation, maintain public order, and contribute to creating a civilized and friendly society and online community.”
Do you have any thoughts on the situation? Share them with us in the comments section below!
Leave a Reply