Rei addresses backlash over comments made about a “tanning” Hello Kitty doll during a livestream

IVE member Rei recently found herself at the center of controversy after making comments during a livestream that some netizens found racially insensitive. The incident occurred on July 31, when Rei showed fans her Hello Kitty doll, referring to it as a “tanning Kitty.” She explained that she had dressed the doll in clothes with a “hip hop” vibe and pretended it was rapping.

The remarks sparked backlash online, with some viewers interpreting her comments as associating the “tanning Kitty” with racial stereotypes. While some fans argued that Rei’s comments were unintentionally offensive, others believed she was being insensitive.

In response to the criticism, Rei took to a fan messaging app to issue an apology and clarify her intentions. She expressed regret for any hurt her comments may have caused, writing, “While I was monitoring my live stream, I found out that the remarks I made during the last live because I wanted to show off my favorite doll to Dive (IVE’s fanclub) were inappropriate, which was not my intention.” Rei also acknowledged the global reach of her remarks, stating, “I also want to acknowledge that I made the wrong remarks on Dive’s live show around the world and sincerely apologize to Dive who I’ve hurt because of this.”

Rei emphasized her commitment to being more mindful in the future, noting that she would consider the impact of her words more carefully. She concluded her apology by addressing her language barrier, saying, “I am not good at English, so I am sorry to deliver it in Korean.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity, particularly for public figures with a diverse, international audience. As Rei navigates the aftermath, she aims to use this experience as a learning opportunity to improve her communication with fans.