Hollywood actress Margaret Qualley is facing backlash for making comments that some fans find racially insensitive toward BLACKPINK's Jennie.
Jennie attended the "Chanel 2025 Spring-Summer Ready-to-Wear Show" in Paris on October 1 (local time) as an official ambassador. She turned heads in a teal sweater and hot pants, showcasing her stunning new blonde hair.
In an interview with WWD, Jennie shared, "This is my new look. With my blonde hair and the pop color I’ve chosen, I hope to show a different side of myself." She teased that this new look might hint at her upcoming album, adding, "I can’t share much yet, but more about my personal mantra will come soon."
Jennie is set to return to her solo career after about a year with her new single "Mantra," releasing on the 11th. This will be her first solo track since last October's special single "You & Me." When asked about the new album, she playfully said, "That’s a little secret I want to keep until next week."
During the fashion show, Jennie took pictures and chatted with several stars, including Margaret Qualley. In a video that circulated online, Qualley touched Jennie’s blonde hair and asked, "Is this really your hair?" When Jennie replied no, Qualley remarked, "It looks real."
This moment sparked criticism from fans both in South Korea and around the world, who accused Qualley of making disrespectful comments. Critics noted that touching someone’s hair without permission and questioning whether a non-white person could have blonde hair is inappropriate and can be seen as racial discrimination.
The controversy deepened when footage showed Qualley avoiding Jennie’s attempt at a kiss, which raised eyebrows. Known for her warm displays of affection with fellow Hollywood stars, this incident added to the ongoing debate.
Margaret Qualley, daughter of famous actress Andie MacDowell, has starred in films like "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," "Death Note," and "My New York Diary." She is also a Chanel ambassador alongside Jennie.
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