The latest on BTS and Essence Hollywood

BTS condemns anti-Asian racism, says they’ve experienced it

SEOUL, South Korea: Following attacks in the US, BTS condemned racism against Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, saying they’ve experienced it themselves.

“We stand against racial discrimination,” BTS tweeted. The band said their own encounters with racism included “expletives” and being “mocked for the way” they look.

“We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence.”

The band added that their experiences made them feel powerless and affected their self-esteem.

BTS said that although the discrimination they endured is “inconsequential” compared to the recent attacks, they felt the need to speak out.

Goldberg, Zendaya to be honored at Essence Hollywood awards

LOS ANGELES: Whoopi Goldberg, Andra Day and Zendaya are among the honorees at this year’s Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, which will be livestreamed on April 22.

Day, who is up for an Oscar for playing the title role in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” will also perform.

Other honorees are actor, singer and songwriter Cynthia Erivo and actor Michaela Coel.

“Orange Is the New Black” actress Laverne Cox will host the event whose theme this year is “Mastering Our Stories,” with a focus on the resiliency of Black women in Hollywood throughout its history and through the pandemic year.