Amid RIIZE’s Anton Dating Rumors, SM Responds Strongly to False Allegations
SM Entertainment, the agency of boy group RIIZE, announced that it would respond firmly to the spread of false information.
On March 13, SM Entertainment (hereinafter referred to as SM) released an official statement through RIIZE’s official channel.
Here, the company said that “false information about RIIZE members is being indiscriminately spread through social media and online communities, along with illegal acts such as personal attacks, insults, and malicious defamation being continuously perpetrated.”
Following this, SM stated, “These are clear criminal acts that seriously damage the personality and honor of our artists,” adding “We are thoroughly reviewing the collected data regarding this matter, and we plan to respond firmly without any agreement or leniency, through prosecution, to ensure that the perpetrators who committed illegal acts are punished.”
Furthermore, SM warned that ongoing privacy infringements such as persistent stalking, verbal abuse, and harassment against the artists’ acquaintances, especially family and friends, are also continuing, and since these acts are crimes against individuals, legal measures are possible.
On the other hand. a photo was previously spread online, showing a man and a woman believed to be RIIZE member Anton and a woman, who were holding hands on the streets of New Jersey, sparking dating rumors.
Netizens pointed out that the man in the photo was carrying a bag that Anton often carries and used the fact that he recently visited New Jersey as evidence.
Later on, a woman claimed that she was the woman in the photo, and personally stepped forward to explain on Anton’s behalf.
“I would like to address the photo taken when Anton visited New Jersey last month. I have seen numerous speculations that Anton and I dated because of this photo, but I have never dated him or had romantic feelings for him, not even once”, the woman said.
The same person also claimed that she and Anton have been friends since childhood and met with other friends they were close to.
In particular, as someone who never imagined that the photo would cause such a stir, the woman pleaded, “Do not make baseless speculations because of this photo. I ask for your understanding,” and released explanatory photos to put an end to the incident.
However, despite A’s explanation, various hate comments and indiscriminate rumors continued to pour in, prompting the agency to intervene directly.
Source: Wikitree
