Stray Kids‘ Felix found himself at the center of controversy after inadvertently showcasing a Coca-Cola bottle during an Instagram live session earlier today. The incident quickly stirred up discussions among fans and on social media due to Coca-Cola’s alleged involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict — leading to calls for boycotting the brand by the public.
During the live broadcast, Felix was seen drinking from a Coca-Cola bottle, which did not go unnoticed by fans. Viewers immediately began commenting on the live feed, pointing out the issue of supporting the brand amidst the ongoing genocide.
The reaction was swift and filled with disappointment from fans who are sensitive to the conflict and the implications of supporting said brands.
if any of yall still won’t spam felix’s live with Coke facts and how Coca Cola is a brand that has a plant in the illegal settlement, as well as having a 57 year history of supporting isra3l and contributing in the destruction/murdering of Palestinians, yall are fucking assholes.
— — ˚◡̈⁺ ˚ 🍉・₊✧ (@snugdeal3r) March 17, 2024
It is right for everyone to want to hold him accountable by educating him about the situation but what is definitely NOT right is calling him names, there is a massive difference between wanting to educate someone and blatantly insulting them which some of you are doing,…
— Cine 樂 (@felixsbrowni3) March 17, 2024
Seemingly noticing the backlash in the comments and on social media, Felix immediately addressed the issue in the same live broadcast right before ending the session.
By the way, I want to apologize for bringing out the Coca-Cola bottle. I do apologize for just showing that on live.
I didn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings, so yes, I really want to say I’m very sorry for showing that out. I didn’t want to make STAYs upset, so I just want to say I’m really sorry for bringing that up.
And I won’t um… Next time on my mukbang live, when I’m eating chicken or anything else, I won’t do it. I’m sorry for making everyone upset. I’m really sorry. I don’t have time, but thank you so much for watching this live, and I hope everyone stays safe and happy this year.
— Felix on Instagram Live
felix acknowledged it and apologized for bringing that drink and he said he won’t do it again next time 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uJgaJp2Ggl
— 비니 (@spearhyunnie) March 17, 2024
During the live, fans even spotted Felix having an informative graphic about the Coca-Cola boycott opened on his phone.
Keep dropping the tags, but please remember to keep it respectful, too. pic.twitter.com/xciUE2W5OM
— ( ★ ) (@0325home) March 17, 2024
The quick response and apology from Felix were well-received by fans, many of whom expressed their appreciation for his sensitivity to the issue. It was noted that such a prompt apology — especially without waiting for a statement from Stray Kids’ management company JYP Entertainment, which has an ongoing brand deal with Coca-Cola — is quite rare in the industry.
Felix apologized and mentioned the brand name openly despite his group being a part of a campaign by that fckass company we should hold our idols accountable and eduate them
— mia (@chanscookiess) March 17, 2024
when i tell you this just made me so fucking happy, he made a mistake and owned up to it in the same live, even though his company has an ongoing sponsorship with coke. THANK YOU FELIX. THANK YOU FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING AND APOLOGIZING.
— lu 樂 ★ (@channiessky) March 17, 2024
you dont even understand how worried i am for felix, we know the contract and that company despises the idea of anyone under them having their own voice..his voice was trembling, im so nervous i might actually throw up yall don’t understand it can totally backfire on him
— yasmin (@yongbluu) March 17, 2024
I don’t think you guys realize how absolutely INSANE it is that this man went live and apologized for a brand sponsorship being upheld by the company. That directly goes against the deal, might even go against his contract to speak against that brand. He’s risking a LOT.
— wifeofhyunjin (real.) 樂 (@stayinghyunjin) March 17, 2024
Many fans are now hoping Felix’s immediate apology will set a standard for other idols in the industry who have been part of similar controversies.
