BTS’ RM has been removed from The Pixel Project’s male role model list after backlash over his appearance at Chris Brown’s concert, sparking debate among fans.
The organization announced RM’s indefinite suspension on August 19. RM was originally included on the list in December 2024 after The Pixel Project said it had conducted due diligence into his public record and advocacy. In its latest statement, the organization explained the reasoning behind its original decision. “In 2024, we included Kim Nam-Joon – better known as RM, the leader of BTS, the biggest boy band in the world.”
“We did so in good faith after conducting due diligence, which showed that he had taken steps over the years to address his own internalised misogyny, support women in the arts, and speak out about violence against women in intensely patriarchal South Korea,” it further read.
The Pixel Project also pointed to RM as an example in its Father’s Day 2025 op-ed, which explored the idea of imperfect male role models. According to the organization, RM had demonstrated a willingness to challenge and unlearn misogyny, sexism, and toxic masculinity. However, following the latest controversy, it has decided to suspend him from the role model list indefinitely. The organization added that it would review and revise the Father’s Day 2025 op-ed because of RM’s removal.
The Pixel Project has indefinitely suspended Kim Nam-joon (RM) and removed him from their list of “16 Male Role Models Helping to Stop Violence Against Women.” after his unwavering support for abusers like Chris Brown.
A step in the right direction. pic.twitter.com/JsrW3eOU2G
— Hate Crave (@HateCrave) August 19, 2026
The backlash began after fans noticed RM and fellow BTS member J-Hope attending Chris Brown’s concert in Toronto on August 12. Brown co-headlined the show with Usher at Rogers Stadium, where BTS is also scheduled to perform on August 22 and 23. J-Hope later shared an Instagram Story showing himself and RM singing and dancing during Brown’s set. Brown also posted a photo featuring the two BTS members, bringing further attention to their presence at the concert.
The interaction quickly sparked criticism online, particularly from fans who questioned the decision to publicly support Brown given his history of violence allegations and legal cases. One fan wrote, “F**k domestic violence. F**k chris brown. F**k minimizing what he’s done because this situation happens to involve BTS. I am a woman before I am an army, and there is not a man on this earth I’ll be a fan enough to make me compromise on that sh*t.”
Brown has faced several legal cases and allegations involving violence over the years. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna, according to Billboard. He later faced additional assault charges and was jailed in Los Angeles in 2014. The singer is also awaiting sentencing in London on October 26 after pleading guilty to affray over a 2023 nightclub attack.
RM’s removal from The Pixel Project’s list now adds another layer to the growing debate surrounding celebrity accountability and expectations placed on influential figures.
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