Fans of ATEEZ member San recently accused fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana of racism after pictures of the K-pop singer at a fashion show went viral. Last July 2, San attended the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda event in Sardinia, Italy, attracting much attention for his unique outfit.

San wore a chestplate shirt paired with sleek satin brown pants. The harness-style plate, designed to resemble ornate molding, shone under the fashion show lights with its patent chocolate-brown finish. He mingled comfortably with other high-profile attendees, posing for photos with Naomi Campbell and sitting next to Halle Bailey and Alessandra Ambrosio in the front row. The latter even followed him back on Instagram after the event.

Despite his front-row seat, San was photographed squeezed between two people without a cushion to sit on, unlike others around him. This led fans to accuse the event’s organizers of racism, with ATINYs expressing frustration over San’s apparent discomfort and his outfit, which they felt was too revealing. They were worried that it was uncomfortable compared to the other attendees’ outfits.

Dolce & Gabbana accused of racially discriminating ATEEZ San

San addressed these concerns

Days later, San addressed these concerns during a POP! Livestream, saying, “It’s sad to see misunderstandings happening.” He added that he didn’t experience any racism at the show. “It was a great experience for me. As for the cushion, it was my doing. The people around me—myself included—were big, and sometimes they had to sit on the edge as well. The seat wasn’t large enough.” 

Regarding his shirt, San said, “It was my favorite among the ten outfits prepared by the brand. I wanted to be recognized in the fashion world through that daring outfit.” 

He also shared that he had a positive interaction with the designers, including a dinner with Italian designer Domenico Dolce, who he affectionately dubbed “Grandpa Dolce.” According to San, the designer was very kind to him. “We talked about various things. He even said, ‘Italians love you.’ I had a great time!”

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An early birthday present

San considered his experience at the show an early birthday present, as he turned another year older the week after returning from Italy. He posted a heartfelt message thanking ATINYs for their birthday wishes and expressing his gratitude for their support. “I feel like I received a precious gift from you, so I feel good, and I want to come closer to you with a cooler side of me in the future,” he wrote.

He added, “I hope that you guys who are next to me are the happiest today. I also hope your work, meals, and daily routine are filled with things that make you smile. I always wonder how I should repay the love I receive, but I’ll do everything I can to show it to you with my heart and my performances. Thank you for always being by my side. I hope in the days ahead, that happiness and I will be there for you. Fighting! I love you 3000.”

Meanwhile, ATEEZ will be embarking on their ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARD THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER] in North America from July 14 to August 11, with stops in cities like Oakland, Los Angeles, and New York. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Contrary to fans’ speculations, San chose this outfit himself because he wanted to stand out at the Dolce & Gabbana event. Source: W Magazine.