BLACKPINK’s Lisa dazzled at Coachella 2025 with her solo debut, but a harsh tweet from Azealia Banks sparked a firestorm. The American rapper’s offensive comment called Lisa names and demanded her deportation, angering fans who rushed to her defense. This isn’t the first clash between the two, as Banks previously criticized Lisa’s artistry. Here’s the full story of the controversy and Lisa’s triumphant performance.
Lisa’s Show-Stopping Coachella Performance
Lisa took the Sahara Stage on April 12, 2025, for her first solo Coachella set, a milestone as LLOUD’s CEO and an RCA Records artist. Her 55-minute show, starting at 7:45 PM PT, featured tracks from her album Alter Ego, released February 28, 2025.
Thunder
Fxck Up The World (ft. Future)
Lalisa
New Woman (ft. Rosalía)
When I’m With You
Dream
Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me)
Chill
Elastigirl
Money
Born Again
Lifestyle
Rockstar
She opened with Thunder, emerging on a towering pillar in a reptilian bodysuit designed by Asher Levine. Her five outfit changes, including a red ensemble by Michael Schmidt Studios and Zana Bayne, matched her album’s five personas—Roxi, Sunni, Kiki, Speedi, and Vixi.
“For the White Lotus fans, you might be surprised to see Mook onstage,” Lisa said, referencing her role in The White Lotus season 3.
Her live vocals silenced doubters, with Elastigirl’s floor choreography and Money’s edgy vibe earning roars. Rosé and Jisoo cheered from the crowd, joined by White Lotus co-stars Patrick Schwarzenegger and Tayme Thapthimthong.
“Every fancam looks like a fashion ad,” a fan posted online.
The hashtag #Lisachella trended worldwide, marking a historic moment for K-pop. Lisa will perform again on April 18, 2025.
Azealia Banks’ Shocking Tweet
Hours after Lisa’s set, Azealia Banks posted a vile tweet.
“Deport this b*tch,” Banks wrote.
The comment targeted Lisa’s Thai heritage, demanding she leave the U.S. Fans, known as Lilies, erupted in anger, calling it racist and unprovoked.
This wasn’t Banks’ first attack. In March 2025, she slammed Lisa’sAlter Ego, claiming it lacked originality.
“She relies on production to hide weak vocals,” Banks posted then.
She also dismissed Lisa as a K-pop artist, ignoring her Thai roots and English-language album.
Banks’ April 12 tweet crossed a new line, sparking widespread backlash.
Fans Defend Lisa Fiercely
Lilies and K-pop fans flooded social media, slamming Banks for her hostility. They highlighted Lisa’s global success against Banks’ fading relevance.
“What are you so jealous about damn,” a fan wrote on X.
“You’re out here criticizing others when you’ve never even come close to their level of success—how pathetic. Try getting on the Coachella stage first,” another posted.
“It’s kind of sad, isn’t it? While you have to stand by the barricade, buy a ticket to get in, Lisa gets to perform on stage with a huge audience,” one said.
Fans pointed to Lisa’s achievements: headlining Coachella, breaking Spotify records with Fxck Up The World (4.4 million streams), and starring in The White Lotus.
“Honey, she’s getting applause and you are getting cups thrown at you—y’all are not the same,” a netizen jabbed.
“Lmao not the one-sided beef… she doesn’t know u sis ANWAYS STREAM ALTER EGO,” another quipped.
Some mocked Banks’ career.
“She’s booked at Coachella. You’re booked on Twitter drafts,” a fan tweeted.
The backlash trended for hours, with #ProtectLisa gaining traction.
A Pattern of Conflict
Banks’ history with Lisa shows ongoing tension. Her March 2025 posts called Lisa’s stage presence “inauthentic” and her music “generic.”
“It’s not even K-pop, it’s just pop,” Banks said, missing Lisa’s genre-blending style.
Fans then accused Banks of xenophobia, noting Lisa’s Thai identity and English tracks. Banks doubled down, criticizing K-pop idols in fashion campaigns, calling them “garbage.”
Her Coachella tweet reignited these debates, with netizens questioning her motives.
“Why target Lisa again? It’s giving obsession,” a user commented.
Lisa hasn’t responded, focusing on her second Coachella date and upcoming projects.
