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South Korean rapper and soloist, Jessi, got embroiled in a controversy where an acquaintance of hers allegedly assaulted a male fan. On October 14, 2024, SportsChosun reported that a male fan of Jessi shared the incident on JTBC's CRIME CHIEF news segment and claimed that Jessi's acquaintance punched him when he went to ask for a photo from the rapper.
She also shared a letter on Instagram on October 15, apologizing for the incident. She stated that she contacted the fan and his mother and apologized to them, assuring them that the assailant would be brought to justice.
On October 16, the rapper was summoned to the Gangnam Police Station and was reportedly interrogated for six hours, as per Etimes. She reportedly refuted allegations of knowing the person who allegedly hit the male victim.
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She asserted that she was out with her associates when the victim approached her to take a photo. She politely refused him twice, but a man suddenly hit him. She claimed that she met the assailant that day. As per Korea JoongAng Daily, the rapper told reporters outside the police station:
"I want to find the person who hit [my fan] quickly and hope that person gets punished. I will share everything I know. I am very sorry"
On October 18, CCTV footage surfaced online that showed the rapper being approached by the fan. She visibly bowed to him and refused to take a picture when the assailant—standing far away from her group—walked to the fan and hit him. The NUNU NANA rapper got up to stop the man from hitting the fan, and the footage ended there.
DOD Entertainment terminates Jessi's contract amidst controversy
Amidst the swirling controversy, DOD Entertainment, which had signed the Cold Blooded rapper a month ago, terminated her contract. On October 18, 2024, the agency apologized for the ongoing controversy, and as per SportsChosun, they said:
"Once again, we apologize for the recent unfortunate incident that has caused concern. After several discussions with Jessi about her future activities, we have mutually agreed to terminate her exclusive contract, effective October 18, 2024, at her request."
They continued:
"Although her time with us was short, we are grateful for the time Jessi spent with us and will continue to sincerely support her future endeavors."
Meanwhile, another issue involving the rapper surfaced amid the fan assault drama. According to Star News, a photo of Jessi and producer Koala sharing a kiss went viral online, which made matters worse for her. Reportedly, Koala shared a photo of himself kissing and caressing the NUNU NANA rapper on social media.
For the unversed, music producer Koala has already been investigated for the ongoing fan assault case. Korean netizens lashed out at the Cold Blooded rapper and demanded that she leave the country and retire from the industry.
In other news, the Cold Blooded and NUNU NANA rapper established her label, UNNI, on September 21, 2024, after signing with DOD Entertainment.
