California Governor Gavin Newsom attempted to tap into the excitement around BTS, but the response online wasn’t exactly positive.
Over the weekend, he took to social media to acknowledge the South Korean band’s concert series at Stanford Stadium, part of their Arirang World Tour.
“Three sold-out shows in California can only mean one thing: @BTS_Bighit is coming to town,” he tweeted from his official account.
“Welcome to the Golden State!” he added, using a purple heart emoji and a characteristic hand gesture popularized in South Korea.
The post included a picture of BTS with a California flag.
However, the internet reacted harshly to his remarks.
Cryptocurrency influencer Tiffany Fong questioned Newsom’s motivations, even asking, “Are you a teenage girl?”
Others used the opportunity to highlight California’s ongoing homelessness crisis and other problems affecting the state. One user sarcastically mentioned, “Hope these guys don’t get robbed or assaulted while they’re here?” While another quipped, “Try not to step on homeless people or fentanyl on your way to the arena.”
Another user raised a practical concern, asking about the taxes the band would have to pay, given California’s reputation for high taxes.
One commenter criticized Newsom for even engaging in such trivial matters, stating, “This??? Is this what matters to you? Your state is a dumpster fire and you’re playing the ‘fanboy.’ You are such a pathetic little man.”
Previously, Newsom referred to critics of the state as having “California Derangement Syndrome.” Meanwhile, his administration is reportedly spending around $20 million to improve California’s image.
BTS will not only perform this weekend but is also set to return for more shows at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium later this year, from September 1st to 6th.
