Since the additional attention placed on the ongoing human rights violations occurring in the Gaza Strip against Palestinians began, communities worldwide have rallied to show support and protest Israel’s actions against civilians.
This includes the K-Pop community, with fans of HYBE groups recently holding a physical protest outside of HYBE America’s office.
Fans Protest In Front Of HYBE America Demanding The Removal Of Scooter Braun
Largely led by the Palestinian Youth Movement, protesters gathered outside the building to protest Scooter Braun‘s continued position in the company due to his involvement with the Israeli government. This was the result of a collective action project dubbed “Boot The Scoot,” which has been active online over the last few months.
💜 #하이브는시오니스트를퇴출하라 #BootTheScoot https://t.co/0Jc0PmuUbp pic.twitter.com/riPN4P54oJ
— na ⁷ (@nawithluuv) March 22, 2024
PHOTO THREAD FROM THE BOOT THE SCOOT PROTEST !!! 🇵🇸
(photos by me)#BootTheScoot #HYBEDivestFromZionism #하이브는시오니스트를퇴출하라 pic.twitter.com/IMGsOlh8e9
— blossom ⁷ (@honeybeejimin) March 23, 2024
this sign !!!!!! #하이브는시오니스트를퇴출하라#BootTheScoot pic.twitter.com/joEboqUrOD
— k⁷ ꫂ ၴႅၴ (@koosjunie) March 22, 2024
Though there has not yet been an official response to this protest, those inside took notice, with protesters stating that individuals inside the building took photos and videos.
this man kept looking at us through the hybe windows and filming us 🫢 had to return the favor and snap a pic#BootTheScoot#하이브는시오니스트를퇴출하라#HYBEDivestFromZionism pic.twitter.com/RF9c1ewI1w
— blossom ⁷ (@honeybeejimin) March 23, 2024
update live from the scene!#BootTheScoot#HYBEDivestFromZionism https://t.co/fus0jWVk5t pic.twitter.com/LD626wBlg6
— sugawa⁷ (@sugawainscoting) March 22, 2024
According to those in attendance, there was a sign that Scooter was aware of the protest and may have even attempted to stop it.
During the protest, many were active on X, giving updates on what was happening. Several in attendance reported that a man believed to be Scooter Braun’s friend, a Palestinian Muslim American named Nassim, approached the group of protesters.
This is the man who approached the group by the way 🙄 pic.twitter.com/fHWWGGGwWI
— Boot the Scoot (@bootscootproj) March 23, 2024
One of the ARMYs that played a huge part in the event’s organization addressed the man as Nasim and alleged that he spoke with them in defense of Scooter, claiming the CEO had “donated millions to Gaza.” She also highlighted Scooter’s actions, which were at odds with the statement, as others shared that they believed that the man had come to try to persuade them to leave.
thank you nasim for stopping by! i don’t think you know us that well.
Nasim claimed scooter donated millions to Gaza and does a lot of “behind the scene” stuff. which is hilarious bc I’m sure he invested more time and money to Israel. scooter doesn’t have a highlight on IG for…
— na ⁷ (@nawithluuv) March 23, 2024
When I turned the corner & saw this guy talking to ARMYs I got a bad vibe… but I just thought he was a dad
Then I overheard as I passed by “he doesn’t …[?]…” in a low, almost pleading voice that sounded manipulative & I almost stopped to listen, +
— JKs_Waist⁷💜✨️ (@JKs_Waist) March 23, 2024
This is him doing the walk of shame away, sweet sugar for the soul ✨😊 https://t.co/agmtWcQlxg pic.twitter.com/fcktat1Teo
— Boot the Scoot (@bootscootproj) March 23, 2024
It is unclear if Scooter Braun personally sent this man to attempt to persuade protesters to stop or if the person decided to do this on his own. However, with Braun’s previous alleged “intimidation” tactics, it is not unbelievable for many.
can’t believe scooter really called his palestinian friend saying hey! can you please use your identity to shoo away these fans outside my office and the only thing the palestinian friend could come up with is “he donates to gaza behind the scene” this whole thing is so comical
— s (@yoongienthusias) March 23, 2024
Scooter sending his token Palestinian friend to the protest is still so funny to me lmaosfdhh, he’s watching everything huh, it’s giving obsessed
— vaish⁷ (@hobabylvr) March 22, 2024
idk what i’m more shocked at, the fact scooter’s palestinian friend exists or the fact he had the balls to show up at the protest 😭 #HYBEDivestFromZionism #bootthescoot
— alice⁷ ☭ (@realtraibeaga) March 22, 2024
Protesting against HYBE’s continued relationship with Scooter Braun has met with backlash from those even inside the fandoms. Yet, Pro-Palestinian fans have expressed their desire to continue taking action until their demands are met.
