ZEROBASEONE is facing backlash over fat-shaming accusations after a comment during their anniversary live broadcast.
The controversy began when members exchanged flirty pick-up lines for fans. When it was Zhang Hao’s turn, he said, “Even if the ground flips over, I won’t be surprised…” but was interrupted by Ricky who asked, “Because you’re heavy?”
Zhang Hao:
“Even if the ground flips over, I won’t be surprised…”Ricky:
“Because you’re heavy?”Zhang Hao:
“Because my world was flipped over by you from the beginning.”
The remark quickly gained traction online. Fans condemned Ricky and those laughing as fatphobic for targeting Zhang Hao’s weight. Many pointed out this was not an isolated incident and claimed Zhang Hao regularly faces similar harsh comments within the group.
“thats just not it :/” — fan reaction on Twitter
“they way they consistently fat shame hao is actually so upsetting” — fan tweet
“do they not like him? like deadass” — another fan weighed in
“‘hao is too heavy’ oh baby maybe you should lift some respect before talking about him like that. your arms shaking but your audacity isn’t” — fan tweet
Some side with the group, saying Zhang Hao himself jokes about other members’ weights and that it’s an ongoing banter.
“for those of you curious as to why he is not ‘protected’ enough as a victim it is because he is a fatshamer himself and most of the group’s members doe this to each other” — Twitter user
“ehh I think we overthink things” — another fan
Fat-related comments between idols are not new, but the negative tone here has sparked a fierce debate among fans. No response has come from Zhang Hao or other ZEROBASEONE members so far as the controversy continues online.
