BLACKPINK’s Jennie was spotted smoking indoors, sparking controversy. Now, a staff member who was there sets the record straight, sharing their account of what really happened.
A staff member claimed to have been present during the indoor smoking incident involving Jennie. They clarified that the location shown in the video was a waiting area for the Jacquemus fashion show, which was not designated as a non-smoking area.
According to the staff, the You & Me singer took permission before smoking, and she proceeded to do so near an open window, smoking directly outside.
She revealed that Jennie was seen inhaling a bubble stick – a product similar to a vape pen – while the staff were searching for lip products. Despite the misunderstanding, Jennie continued to apologize even after the fashion show ended.
The staff member’s post is suspected to be a deliberate attempt to improve Jennie’s public image and downplay the smoking controversy.
After the video went viral and received backlash, ODD ATELIER, her agency, responded with an apology and revealed that the BLACKPINK member had personally apologized to each staff member present at the time.
Additionally, Italy has banned indoor smoking in all public places since 2005 and is further tightening regulations, with the Health Minister proposing to expand the ban to outdoor areas like bar patios, bus stops, and parks.