After backlash on 'racist cartoon', US company Topps issues apology to BTS

US company Topps, that manufactures chewing gum, candy, and collectibles, has issued an apology after they were slammed online for sharing an insensitive sticker card image of K-pop band BTS members bruised and beaten.

The sticker card showed BTS members in whack-a-mole holes with bruised faces, with a Grammy trophy over their heads and text that reads "BTS Bruisers." The band did not take home any Grammy awards on Sunday.

Moreover, the cards were revealed on the same day as Atlanta shootings where 8 people were killed in three massage parlours, majority of them being Asian women.

Netizens are enraged at the insensitive and violent portrayal of BTS, calling out the brand for glorifying hate against Asians. Within minutes of the post, #RacismIsNotComedy became a trend online.

After receiving severe backlash on social media, Topps has removed the BTS image from the deck.