BLACKPINK member Lisa has issued a direct apology for using a racial slur in old trainee footage, addressing the controversy for the first time during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The 29-year-old rapper and singer spoke to Variety at the premiere of her new documentary, Always Lalisa, where the leaked video is discussed. She explained that she did not understand the word’s history or weight at the time, citing her upbringing in Thailand and a lack of education on the subject. The documentary, directed by Sue Kim, premiered at TIFF on September 11, 2026, and is set for a wider theatrical release on October 12.
What Lisa Said in Her Apology
Lisa’s apology came during an interview with Variety at the film festival. She was direct about her feelings and her past lack of awareness.
“I really have to apologize,” Lisa said. “To be honest, I’m Thai and I grew up in Thailand. There isn’t any education for that, so at the time, I didn’t know. Now I’ve learned and got educated about that, and I would never [do it again]. This is not OK. Seriously.”
The footage in question dates back more than a decade, recorded during her time as a trainee at YG Entertainment before BLACKPINK’s debut in 2016. In the clips, members of the group are heard rapping along to songs that contained the N-word. Lisa reflected on how the leak affected her, particularly since it surfaced just before a major solo performance.
“Everything is real. It’s all there,” she told Variety. “I was just sad because I really wanted to focus on my performance, but things happened, and you can’t control stuff. But I fought through it.”
The Leaked Video and Its Aftermath
The controversial video was leaked online in March 2025 by an individual claiming to be a former YG Entertainment employee, according to reports. The timing was particularly difficult for Lisa, as it emerged just ahead of her solo performance at the Coachella music festival in 2025.
The leak was not just a PR crisis; it also brought a serious personal threat. According to the documentary, the person behind the leak also made death threats against Lisa. The situation became so severe that it influenced how her team chose to handle the public fallout.
Why Lisa Did Not Apologize Sooner
A key revelation from Always Lalisa is why Lisa did not issue a statement when the footage first surfaced. The documentary explains that her current agency, LLOUD, wanted to release an official statement, but YG Entertainment opposed the move.
According to the explanation provided in the film, YG believed that speaking out could escalate the situation further. With Lisa already facing intense backlash and death threats, the team ultimately decided that remaining silent was the safer path at that moment. The documentary states that Lisa wanted to address the matter but was unable to do so under those circumstances.
A Divided Reaction From Fans
Lisa’s apology and the details about YG’s alleged involvement have reignited a debate online. The Korea Herald reported that reactions were deeply split. Some fans defended Lisa, pointing out that cultural context matters and that not everyone grows up with the same education about American history and racial slurs.
“People have to realize that not the rest of the world learns about American history,” one user wrote on X. “People should explain to these artists why the term is offensive instead of tearing them all into pieces on the spot.”
Others argued that as a rapper in a genre rooted in Black American culture, Lisa had a responsibility to understand its history. One user stated, “The least one can do if they’re profiting off Black culture is learn the history”. The disagreement reflects a larger, ongoing conversation about K-pop’s relationship with Black music and culture.
Inside the Always Lalisa Documentary
The controversy is just one part of Always Lalisa, which offers an intimate look at Lisa’s life and career. The film follows a year in her life between 2024 and 2025, documenting major milestones. These include the release of her debut solo album, Alter Ego, her acting debut in HBO‘s The White Lotus season three, and her preparation for a solo performance at Coachella.
The documentary also features interviews with people close to her, including her family members and The White Lotus creator Mike White. It traces her journey from a teenage trainee who moved from Thailand to South Korea at 14 to becoming the founder of her own company, LLOUD. Director Sue Kim, who previously worked on the Apple TV+ series K-Pop Idols, crafted the film to show a side of Lisa that fans rarely see.
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Lisa’s Commitment to BLACKPINK
Despite her successful solo career and growing acting work, Lisa made it clear that BLACKPINK remains a huge part of her life. She told Variety that she has no plans to leave the group behind.
“If I’m 50, I still want to do BLACKPINK,” she said. “We just finished our tour earlier this year, but we talk a lot about this and have discussions about doing a little break — like I did almost two years ago — but we’re always going to be together.”
BLACKPINK wrapped their Deadline World Tour in January 2026. The group also made a comeback in February 2026 with the mini-album DEADLINE, marking their first release in more than three years.
Also Read: BLACKPINK’s Lisa Drops Fierce Dance Performance Video For SaWaDiKa; Watch The Choreography
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