American rapper Latto, who recently collaborated with BTS’ Jungkook on his viral track “Seven,” is facing online backlash for resurfaced controversial tweets.
What happened: Several social media users called out Latto, 24, after HYBE published a teaser for Jungkook’s solo debut single, “Seven,” on Wednesday. While the Grammy-nominated rapper did not appear in the teaser, her name was revealed at the end of the 24-second clip.
On Twitter, Latto, whose real name is Alyssa Michelle Stephens, also teased her upcoming collaboration with the 25-year-old BTS member, whose full name is Jeon Jung-kook, on the same day.
7️⃣7️⃣7️⃣ S/O to da ARMY 💋🎰 https://t.co/mjL9I3EP6G
— BIG LATTO 🍀🎰🍒 (@Latto) July 12, 2023
The unearthed tweets: Some of the tweets the fans allegedly uncovered were from 2015 when Latto was 16 years old and seemingly targets Asians.
“You be cooking cats and dogs? Tai Kwonsuki Shu Pu Yujiko?” she allegedly wrote in one tweet.
In another 2015 tweet, she purportedly said: “Just cause I don’t eat cats and dogs like you doesn’t make me fat….”
Latto hates Asian people and has never hidden it, she hates Asian people and I'm sad that she is to be featured by a very respected Asian artist.
Army, choose your fighter wisely. pic.twitter.com/iNKMSixtin— 11/17/2023 (@KNOWTHEDATEHO) July 12, 2023
Meanwhile, a screenshot of a past TikTok video she purportedly posted shows her calling an alleged Asian woman “Ling Ling.”
In addition to the controversial tweets, some social media users also accused Latto of being a “rape apologist” for purportedly tweeting: “‘@autocorrect: Rape is such a strong word. I prefer snuggle struggle.’ THIS.”
LATTO is a r@pe apologist and racist towards Asian people pic.twitter.com/t89xi32rHn
— Pop Base (@PopBaoe) July 12, 2023
Latto’s alleged past tweets reportedly no longer appear on her Twitter profile.