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Billboard controversies

Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.

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  1. 2022

    Billboard faces backlash over attribution in BTS coverage

    Public backlash

    Billboard faced online criticism after its initial article attributed Jimmy Kimmel's words comparing BTS and COVID-19 to actress Ashley Park. The outlet later edited the headline and introduction. The source reports accusations of racism but does not establish that allegation as a determination.

    Company response

    • Clarification — Billboard

      The outlet later edited the headline and the introduction

    Source excerpt

    • In the initial version of the article, Billboard wrote: "According to Ashley Park, the symptoms of interacting with a BTS member are eerily similar to those of COVID-19".
    • Not only has this joke backfired, prompting a wave of outrage on the YouTube comments board and in Twitter threads, but Billboard, when reporting Park's appearance on the show, exacerbated the whole sorry affair by attributing Kimmel's words to the actress.
    • The outlet later edited the headline and the introduction, but it poured petrol on the flames of those outraged by both Kimmel's comments and Billboard's reporting.
    Source

  2. 2020

    Billboard responds to allegations about Hot 100 chart sales

    Company response

    In May 2020, Billboard responded to allegations concerning sales of the songs "Stuck With U" and "Gooba" and their placement on the Hot 100 chart. The allegations claimed that Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande bought their way to the top of the chart. Billboard explained how sales of both songs were counted in response to these claims. The response addressed the counting of sales for the two tracks rather than confirming or denying any specific allegation of chart manipulation.

    Billboard explained how sales of “Stuck With U” and “Gooba” were counted in response to allegations that Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande bought their way to the top of the chart.

    Company response

    • Clarification — Billboard

      Billboard wrote, “‘Stuck With U’ was available to purchase through the week as a digital download, as well as in various physical format/digital download combinations through

    Source excerpt

    • Billboard is responding to ‘s allegations that Tekashi 6ix9ine and Ariana Grande bought Justin Biebertheir way to the top with their new song, “Stuck With U.”
    • Billboard wrote, “‘Stuck With U’ was available to purchase through the week as a digital download, as well as in various physical format/digital download combinations through
    Source