A shocking remark from a U.S. local news anchor introducing the highly anticipated **BTS and Oreo limited-edition collaboration cookies** has ignited widespread **outrage among ARMYs worldwide**. The anchor preposterously claimed that the 13 unique cookie designs, when combined, convey the message ‘Death to America’.
Reports from U.S. media outlets like **TMZ** and the **New York Post** confirm that the controversial statement originated on May 27th. **FOX34 news anchor James Eppler** made the remark during the ‘Good Day Lubbock’ segment while covering the **BTS x Oreo limited edition cookie** launch in Lubbock, Texas.
Set for release on June 8th, this special product boasts a unique **Hottock flavor**, inspired by a traditional Korean snack. Each of the **limited edition cookies** is distinctively engraved with one of **13 different messages from BTS**, making them highly collectible.
During the broadcast segment on the **Oreo cookie launch**, Eppler initially reported on the product’s features: ‘The cookie wafers are **BTS’s signature purple color**, and the cream tastes like **Hottock**, a Korean snack.’ However, he then made the shocking assertion, ‘If you combine the **13 designs engraved on the cookies**, they form a message for the fans, and that message is ‘Death to America.’ I find that a bit strange.'”
His co-anchors appeared visibly baffled by the out-of-the-blue remark. Eppler chuckled and clarified, ‘It’s a joke.’ Yet, another anchor quickly interjected, highlighting the potential for misinterpretation: ‘Someone might have just tuned in,’ implying the **irresponsible nature of the comment**.
The anchor’s claim regarding the **cookie’s messages** was entirely false. Although Eppler attempted to **retract his comment** immediately, the segment had already **gone viral online**. **ARMYs** are now demanding an **official apology and dismissal** for Eppler from both the broadcasting station and **Texas Tech University**, where he is also a professor. Reports indicate that Eppler subsequently set his **Instagram account to private**.
The backlash from **BTS fans** was immediate and intense. Users on social media, including X (formerly Twitter), expressed their fury:
- @bangswiftt warned, “In this current political climate, if someone takes this the wrong way, **BTS and their fans could be targeted**. It’s incredibly irresponsible.”
- @THEEEhottie commented, “Conservative Americans would never take ‘Death to America’ as a light joke. I suspect it was an attempt to **incite violence against BTS**.”
- @piedparks unequivocally stated, “Jokes like North Korea references or disguised insults are simply **racism**.”
- @kookyun criticized the spread of **false information about an Asian boyband** on a news broadcast, calling it “really strange” given the treatment of minorities in the U.S.
- @MinYoongiSwagg7 directly tagged **FOX34** and **Texas Tech University**, demanding an “immediate official apology.”
On May 27th, **Oreo** officially unveiled the **collaboration**, describing it as ‘a deeply **meaningful partnership** that encapsulates a **traditional Korean snack** – one that **BTS members** enjoyed since childhood – within our iconic cookies.’ **TMZ** and the **New York Post** have reportedly reached out to **FOX34** and **Texas Tech University** for their official statements regarding Eppler’s comments, but as of now, no response has been received.
