aespa member Giselle has found herself at the center of growing online backlash following a series of recent social media posts.
Renowned for her distinct, alternative, and often eclectic Instagram aesthetic, Giselle frequently shares non-traditional imagery, personal mood boards, and background music selections.
However, netizens have recently raised severe concerns over a recurring pattern in her posts- specifically, her repeated inclusion and public support of musical artists with history of domestic abuse and violent criminal charges.
Social Media Scrutiny and Netizen Outrage
The controversy escalated after netizens pointed out that Giselle had included songs by late American rapper XXXTentacion across multiple social media updates.
The late rapper faced severe legal charges during his lifetime, including domestic abuse, aggravated battery of a pregnant woman, and false imprisonment- allegations backed by a posthumously released secret audio recording in which he seemingly confessed to multiple violent crimes.
Online users expressed intense disappointment over her decision to promote his work, with critics pointing out that she had previously worn clothing featuring his mugshot during a stage performance.
The scrutiny intensified when users noticed another recent post containing music by the rock band Creed, whose lead singer, Scott Stapp, was arrested in 2007 for domestic assault after an altercation with his wife.
The rapid succession of these choices led to widespread online criticism, with various netizens questioning the decision-making behind the content she chooses to promote on a public platform with millions of impressionable followers.
Debate Over Aesthetic Freedom vs. Public Responsibility
The backlash has ignited a heated debate across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Korean online forums.
Critics argue that regardless of artistic taste or personal aesthetics, high-profile public figures should exercise greater awareness and responsibility regarding the backgrounds of the artists they publicly endorse.
Many commentators voiced concern that sharing music from individuals with documented histories of severe violence sends an insensitive message to fans.
On the other hand, many fans have stepped forward to defend Giselle, arguing that her posts are being overly scrutinized and misconstrued.
Supporters contend that her social media presence simply reflects a harmless, “alt” or edgy aesthetic popular among younger generations.
They emphasize that enjoying or sharing a piece of music does not equate to an explicit endorsement of an artist’s personal life or past actions.
As online discussions remain divided between calls for greater accountability and defenses of personal creative expression, neither Giselle nor SM Entertainment has issued a formal statement regarding the social media scrutiny.