BLACKPINK’s Jennie faces continued backlash over indoor smoking incident despite staff defense

Jennie’s agency ODD ATELIER has issued an apology – but netizens remain divided.

Following BLACKPINK member Jennie's recent indoor smoking controversy, an alleged staff member has come forward to defend her actions at the 'JACQUEMUS' fashion show preparation site. 

On July 10 KST, a netizen claiming to have been present during the incident posted on an online community, asserting that smoking was permitted in the preparation room and that precautions were taken.

According to the netizen, Jennie was using a bubble pen purchased from a convenience store while her makeup team was occupied with finding a lip product. 

The staff member allegedly affected by the smoke reportedly accepted Jennie's apologies multiple times after the incident, mentioning her own smoking habit in understanding.

Despite this defense, Korean netizens continue to express disapproval, questioning the credibility of the defense and highlighting that indoor smoking is universally banned in Italy, where the incident took place. 

Criticism on online forums included skepticism towards the staff member's motives and comments reflecting broader concerns about power dynamics within celebrity entourages.

Meanwhile, Jennie's agency, ODD ATELIER, promptly issued an apology following the incident. The controversy surrounding Jennie's actions and subsequent defenses continues to fuel debate among fans and critics alike.