BTS RM expressed his thoughts regarding the controversy over the song “Bad Religion” he shared on Instagram.
BTS RM recently faced a backlash from Muslims as he shared on his Instagram Story the song “Bad Religion” by Frank Ocean, which is said to contain controversial lyrics. Some netizens accused the BTS leader of having “Islamophobic” attitudes and asked him to release an apology.
As the controversy intensified, fans and various media outlets voiced explanations and defended him. However, RM recently hosted a live broadcast and addressed the issue by himself.
RM said, “I don’t know what you are talking about but I never have the intention of disparaging any religion. I respect all beliefs and religions. I saw people saying this and that about me on Instagram, but I didn’t have any intention or purpose of doing that. It’s just a song, okay? I’m already 30 and I’m not going to apologize. Just believe my words. Don’t make rumors or speculations. Please trust me.”
He continued, “I know many people don’t believe me and they think I’m lying, but I’m really being honest. I can’t lie to you. People keep asking me about the song and I don’t want to talk about it. I’ve tried to hold back myself and endure too many things for the past 10 years, but I can’t tolerate this any longer. Trust my words only, please”.
The controversial lyrics in “Bad Religion” were “And you say ‘Allahu akbar’/ I told him ‘Don’t curse me’/ ‘Bo Bo, you need prayer’/ I guess it couldn’t hurt me.”
The song is said to have two meanings, one is the one-sided love between two men and the other is an insult to a religion and gay people. Through this song, American singer & lyricist & rapper Frank Ocean wants to talk about his past experience when meeting a taxi driver in the past.
In particular, “Allahu akbar” is a phrase used by Muslims. The fact that it is followed by the lyrics “Don’t curse me” made some people understand the song in a negative way and criticize Frank Ocean. Although many religions also use “Allahu akbar”, people who listened to the song believed that it targeted Islam because the taxi driver says “Bobo”, which is used in the region where 77% of its people are Muslims, in the next line.
On the other hand, Frank Ocean fans believe that “Don’t curse me” conveys the male singer’s concerns about religion because of his gender issue.
In fact, the controversy over “Bad Religion” lyrics has continued for 11 years since its release in 2012.
