Global girl group KATSEYE is facing criticism from fans after members were seen spending time at Disneyland with music executive Scooter Braun on Sunday, with the controversy stemming from Braun's recent public identification as a Zionist on social media.
Braun, who serves as the CEO of HYBE America, shared photos from the trip on his social media with the caption "Today was a great day." All six KATSEYE members were seen with the music executive and his family at the theme park during what looked to be an off-schedule recreational visit.
The backlash got worse because many international fans viewed KATSEYE as having previously shown solidarity with Palestine. Critics argued that associating with Braun outside of professional obligations directly contradicted the group's supposed stance, according to Koreaboo.
"Not KATSEYE hanging out with Scooter Braun while following pro-Palestine pages. You can't claim solidarity while cozying up to oppressors. Pick a side — Palestine or genocide?" one viral post said.
Braun has a controversial history in the music industry, with critics describing him as "one of its most ruthless players" and noting his reputation for litigation. His management style has also drawn criticism from former clients, with some describing experiences of manipulation and control. The executive also faced scrutiny for his role in high-profile industry disputes, including conflicts with Taylor Swift over music rights.
The timing of the Disneyland visit has added to the controversy, as the Israel-Palestine conflict continues to dominate global headlines and public figures face criticism over their political affiliations. Some fans have called for boycotts of KATSEYE's promotions and HYBE-related activities.
Adding to the group's challenges, member Daniela is facing separate criticism after fans discovered her mother follows Donald Trump's Instagram account. This revelation went viral, with one post receiving over a million views. However, many supporters have defended Daniela, arguing that family members' political beliefs do not necessarily reflect her own views.
KATSEYE, which rose in popularity through the Netflix documentary "Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE," has been gaining international recognition with recent releases including their song "Touch." The group consists of six multinational members and has been positioning itself as a global pop act.
