K-pop’s Blackpink star Lisa Manoban gets apology after Bangkok cafe ‘offered US$3,000’ for seat she used
- The cafe owner posted on social media that he would sell the seat, glass and spoon she had used, which attracted seedy comments
- Blackpink was the first K-pop act to perform at Coachella while Lisa was recently included in Time Magazine’s 100 Next list
On Thursday, Lisa, 22, shared pictures of her photo shoot at MQQN Cafe Bangkok on her Instagram account. Soon afterwards, the owner of the cafe posted on Facebook that he had been offered as much as 100,000 baht (US$3,300) for the seat she had used.
“I am not satisfied with this price yet,” the owner said. “We also have the glass and the spoon she used too,” he added in the comment section.
He received replies such as “Why don’t you keep the tissue paper she used?”, “How much is the table?” and “I’d like to get a scent of that table she touched.” Another commenter said: “Did she use the restroom?” and went on to mention Lisa’s hair.
Social media users soon expressed disgust over the sexual harassment and objectification of women. The hashtag #LowlyMQQNcafe was trending on Twitter on Friday morning.
A Twitter fan account @BPinAmerica said: “Lisa does not deserve the disrespect and violation of what this owner has done. You have crossed the line in a disgusting way. Instead of being proud and humble that Lisa went to your cafe; you offer a bidding.”
Another Twitter user, @BPinradio said: “I can’t express in words how much disrespect and s*xual h*rassment of women make me sick. It’s even worse when it happens to those we love. Lisa recently made a photo shoot at MQQN Café, the owners of place are harassing her on Facebook with disgusting comments.”
Angry comments were also posted on the cafe’s Facebook page. A user said: “I never thought the owner could have this lowly, shameful thought. Even if Lisa was not famous, but just a woman who was your customer, and to think that you spoke so shamefully about her behind her back. And the fact that she is this famous, you should give her respect.”
The cafe’s owner left an apology on his Facebook account. “I have to apologise for the negative post. I apologise to Lisa and anyone involved. We all love and admire Lisa. I’m sorry for what happened. I have to apologise again.”
Lisa and her band’s label YG Entertainment have not yet commented. She was seen at Bangkok’s main airport on Friday, reportedly flying to Japan.
Blackpink fans protest over what they see as poor management
In November, the band was listed in Time Magazine’s 100 Next 2019 list of rising influential figures worldwide.
