Billboard Removes Video About BLACKPINK's Jennie After Fan Backlash

Billboard deleted a video featuring a netizen’s critique of Jennie’s stage presence, sparking outrage from BLINKs.
The interviewer received severe harassment, including death threats, despite explaining she had no editorial control.
Jennie has yet to respond, but the incident underscores the ongoing unfair criticism and extreme reactions in K-pop fandoms.

Jennie of BLACKPINK is no stranger to controversy, and the latest uproar stems from a now-deleted video by Billboard that reignited the long-standing (and often unfair) debate about her stage presence. The video, which featured street interviews discussing viral performances by female artists, included a segment on Jennie, with one interviewee claiming,

“She was always like that for years. Girl, give us nothing.”

The remark immediately drew fury from BLINKs (BLACKPINK’s fandom), who saw it as yet another attempt to push the outdated "lazy Jennie" narrative—a criticism that has followed her since 2018. Fans swiftly called out Billboard for amplifying such comments, especially given the publication’s previous positive coverage of Jennie, including high-profile interviews and event appearances.

“Using haters’ videos in your report to misrepresent her actions is unprofessional and contradicts Billboard’s journalistic standards and decades-long legacy.
Apologize to Jennie! BILLBOARD APOLOGIZE TO JENNIE #BillboardRespectJENNIE
@billboard,” one fan tweet.

“Using haters’ videos in your report to misrepresent her actions is unprofessional and contradicts Billboard’s journalistic standards and decades-long legacy.
Apologize to Jennie! BILLBOARD APOLOGIZE TO JENNIE #BillboardRespectJENNIE
@billboard,” another chimed.

“this is so disrespectful and unprofessional especially when you are using a video that is completely taken out of context. you literally had her on your cover not that long ago and had her attending one of your events. no jennie no clicks I guess,” other said.

Interviewer Caught in the Crossfire, Receives Death Threats

The backlash didn’t stop at Billboard. The interviewer featured in the video, who was hired as a freelance talent for the segment, became a target of extreme harassment. She took to Instagram to clarify her role, stating:

“For the trolls—I don't work at Billboard. I was hired as talent for the day to interview people about viral social media music moments. I didn't know who BLACKPINK was, but I was told Jennie had a viral moment on stage and people were talking about it on social. My job was to get fan reaction on the streets about the viral moment/the discourse on social media. I didn't edit the package or control what interviews/clips/soundbites were used. I had no idea the video was even posted until I woke up to hateful messages. The edit does not represent my views or opinions—I'm not educated on the BLACKPINK lore or fanbase. I was just doing the job that was assigned to me for the day. Stop sending me and my family/friends d3ath threats—extremely weird behavior. This is SO unserious settle down. For Jennie—keep popping off queen!”

Despite her explanation, the damage was done. The video was eventually taken down, but not before the interviewer faced a barrage of online attacks, including death threats—an alarming escalation that highlights the darker side of intense fandoms.

Where Does the Criticism Come From?

The "lazy Jennie" discourse has been a recurring topic in K-pop circles, often stemming from isolated clips of her appearing less energetic during performances. However, supporters argue that these moments are taken out of context, ignoring factors like health issues, choreography adjustments, or simply the reality that no performer can maintain 100% intensity at all times.

What makes this situation particularly frustrating for fans is Billboard’s role in legitimizing such critiques. As a major music publication, giving a platform to casual, uninformed opinions—especially without balancing them with professional analysis or Jennie’s own perspective—feels irresponsible.

As of now, Jennie herself has not publicly addressed the controversy. Meanwhile, fans continue to demand accountability from Billboard, insisting on an official apology or clarification. The bigger question, however, is why this narrative persists despite Jennie’s proven talent, work ethic, and global success.

This incident serves as another reminder of how quickly online discussions can spiral out of control—from a simple street interview to full-blown harassment. While criticism is inevitable in the entertainment industry, the line between fair commentary and harmful dogpiling has never been thinner.

For now, BLINKs remain fiercely protective of Jennie, but the fallout raises important conversations about media responsibility, fan behavior, and the exhausting cycle of scrutiny female idols face. One thing’s for sure: Jennie isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the debates surrounding her.

Source: X, Billboard, Koreaboo