BTS’ RM “Indefinitely Suspended” From The Pixel Project’s “Male Role Model” List

The Pixel Project, a major nonprofit organization dedicated to ending violence against women (VAW), has “indefinitely suspended” BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, me ’ Kim Namjoon (RM) from their male role model list. 

The news comes after he attended a Chris Brown and Usher concert in Toronto, Canada on Aug. 12. Along with fellow groupmate Jung Ho-seok (J-Hope), the two posed backstage for a picture with Brown. J-Hope also shared footage to his Instagram story of him and RM enjoying the show.

A week after the members’ outing, The Pixel Project posted a statement on their website. They addressed the situation, saying:

“The Pixel Project had been waiting for RM to issue a public statement or acknowledgement regarding the Chris Brown concert before we responded to this controversy. However, it has been a week of silence from RM, and that silence is deafening. ( . . . ) We have never expected any male role model (including RM) to be perfect. Everyone is human after all. But being a decent human being also means being accountable when your choices hurt other people.”

Singer Chris Brown has a detailed and extensive history of violence, with several acts committed against women. The Pixel Project explained that RM’s (and J-Hope’s) decision to be linked to Brown further normalizes the system of “violent men facing minimal consequences for gender-based violence” and goes against the organization’s mission. Whether intentional or not, The Pixel Project also believes the members still hold responsibility for who they platform because of their status and influence.

In 2024, The Pixel Project originally named RM to their 5th honor roll list featuring “16 Male Role Models Helping To Stop Violence Against Women.” They cited his efforts to unlearn misogyny, support women in the arts, and speak out against VAW in South Korea as reasons for inclusion. The Pixel Project also featured RM in their Father’s Day 2025 op-ed “Where Have All The Male Role Models Gone: Jimmy Carter, Kim Nam-Joon, And Making The Case For The Imperfect Positive Male Role Model.” Now, the nonprofit is revising both articles to reflect RM’s suspension.

The Pixel Project closed with a message to RM, J-Hope, and their agency HYBE. The nonprofit asks them to remember their previous advocacy, predominantly female fanbase, and the statistics of VAW. They also urge them to take action and give back to domestic violence and sexual assault hotlines and shelters in the cities they’re touring, while also encouraging their fanbase (who have expressed outrage at the BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS (방탄소년단) is a South Korean K-pop group formed by BigHit Music and debuted on June 13, 2013. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Known for their powerful performances, me members’ actions) to do the same.

Neither RM nor J-Hope have commented on the situation. HYBE also remains silent.

For The Pixel Project’s full statement, visit their website here.