On June 5, SM Entertainment released an official statement addressing the ongoing legal proceedings against individuals responsible for spreading malicious content about its girl group aespa. The agency stated that defamatory posts, deepfake materials, manipulated photos and videos, and sexually harassing comments had been circulating online, prompting firm legal measures.
Through fan reports and internal monitoring, the company confirmed it has collected substantial evidence of malicious posts and comments directed at aespa. Based on this evidence, criminal complaints have been filed on charges including defamation, insult, and the editing and distribution of false visual content.
The statement also revealed that several suspects have already been identified and are currently under investigation. Some individuals have received final guilty verdicts, with penalties such as three-year prison sentences suspended for five years, along with fines.
SM Entertainment reiterated its commitment to protecting its artists. The company explained that a significant amount of evidence has been secured against individuals who have posted or shared false claims, slander, sexual harassment, mockery, and malicious content involving aespa across personal social media accounts and online communities. Legal action is now in preparation.
The agency concluded by urging the public to avoid any direct or indirect involvement in such illegal activities.
"Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We would like to provide an update regarding our legal actions in response to malicious content involving our artist, aespa. This includes defamatory posts and comments, deepfakes, edited photos and videos, and other content that constitutes defamation, insults, or sexual harassment.
Through reports from fans and our own monitoring, we have collected evidence of malicious posts and comments targeting aespa. Based on this evidence, we have filed legal complaints on charges including defamation, insult, and the production and distribution of manipulated content.
Investigations are currently underway, with several individuals already identified. Some cases have resulted in final convictions, including sentences such as three years in prison with five years of probation, and fines.
As in this case, we have gathered substantial evidence against those who post or spread false claims, slander, sexual harassment, mockery, or malicious content about aespa via personal social media accounts and various online communities. Legal action is currently being prepared.
We strongly advise that you refrain from any direct or indirect involvement in such illegal acts. Thank you."
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