BTS leader RM, also known as Namjoon, recently faced a wave of criticism after sharing a song on his personal Instagram account. The song in question, "Bad Religion" by American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean, drew mixed reactions from fans, particularly from the Muslim community. Some believed that the song's interpretation could be seen as prejudiced against their faith.
The song, which is a part of Frank Ocean's 2012 debut album "Channel Orange," primarily delves into the theme of unrequited love. However, certain lyrics have sparked debates over the years about their potential implications. The use of the phrase "Allahu Akbar," which translates to "God is greatest" in Arabic, particularly caught the attention of some listeners.
Following RM's post, a segment of Muslim fans voiced their concerns and sought an apology from the artist, expressing that they felt disrespected by his song choice. Social media platforms like Twitter became a battleground, with some fans expressing their disappointment and others coming to RM's defense.
Supporters of RM pointed out the song's primary theme of love and argued against it being labeled as "Islamophobic." An old article highlighting the top songs in Frank Ocean's career was shared by fans to provide context. The article explained that "Bad Religion" narrates a story about falling in love with a taxi driver who offers an Islamic prayer. The song's exploration of unaccepted love across different religions was emphasized, with Islam being used as an illustrative example.
Despite the controversy, many fans rallied behind RM, flooding social media with supportive messages and hashtags. Phrases such as "Namjoon We Love You" and "Namjoon Best Boy" trended, showcasing the strong bond between the artist and his fanbase.
As of now, neither RM nor BigHit Music, BTS's management company, has issued an official statement regarding the matter. The post, however, remains available on RM's Instagram Story, reflecting his transparency and openness with his fans.
