Texas News Anchor Sparks Controversy with Controversial Oreo Comment: Public Outrage Ensues

A recent incident involving a Texas Fox News anchor has sparked controversy after a peculiar comment was made during a live broadcast. James Eppler, a news anchor for KCBD Fox34 in Lubbock, made an unexpected remark about the collaboration between the famous K-pop group BTS and OREO. During a segment on Tuesday, Eppler suggested that the designs on the limited-edition cookies somehow spelled out ‘Death to America.’ This baffling assertion emerged as he described the cookies, which feature the band’s signature color purple and are adorned with 13 unique designs.

Eppler’s claim left his co-hosts visibly surprised. He quickly attempted to lighten the mood by laughing it off and clarifying, “No, it’s not.” However, his co-hosts were quick to express concern about the potential misunderstanding. One asked, “Why would you say that?” while another pointed out the risk of viewers tuning in mid-segment and taking his words seriously. Despite the awkward moment, the segment proceeded, with further details shared about the cookies’ flavor, which is inspired by a South Korean treat known as hotteok, a brown sugar-filled pancake favored by some BTS members during their childhood.

The reaction from viewers was swift and critical following the broadcast. The online community, particularly fans of BTS, expressed their dismay, with many taking to social media platforms like X to voice their demand for an apology from Eppler. Some labeled him a ‘racist’ due to the comment, calling for his resignation. One viewer implored, “I request an immediate apology and appropriate action against James Eppler for his xenophobic and unprofessional language.” Another criticized the remark as “false, unprofessional, rude, and insensitive,” stressing the potential negative impact on both BTS and OREO due to the spread of misinformation. A common sentiment among critics was skepticism about the typical “just a joke” defense often employed by media outlets facing backlash over controversial statements.

One called on Fox to ‘get control of your boy James Eppler,’ and said: ‘The level of unprofessionalism is off the charts… this comment is disgusting, unprofessional, hateful and dangerous.’ ‘How can you allow one of your newsmen to say such an inappropriate, disrespectful, unprofessional and xenophobic thing on public television, and allow it to be on air. Is this the kind of person who is representing you and your brand,’ another asked. As the band celebrates its 13th anniversary, the cookies feature messages for their fans and the cookie is also said to pay homage to South Korea’s iconic street market culture. ‘For OREO to be the first snacking brand we’ve collaborated with globally is a huge honor. We ate them as kids, we eat them in the studio, and now OREO is helping us share a taste of home with the world,’ the band said. ‘We’re just so proud to add our own chapter to OREO’s amazing story.’

The OREOs, which are set to hit stores nationwide on June 8, feature 13 different designs, including, ‘The biggest love, BTS ARMY,’ ‘Our Universe. BTS ARMY,’ ‘Our biggest voice. BTS ARMY,’ and more, USA Today reported. BTS also said they have fond childhood memories of OREO cookies, as OREO described the collaboration as ‘deeply meaningful.’ Matt Foley, VP of Marketing at OREO, said: ‘At its core, this partnership is about shared passion. We’re uniting BTS’ incredibly dedicated fanbase with our own loyal OREO fans to create something genuinely new and exciting. ‘It’s this commitment to uniting our fanbases that keeps us at the forefront of pop culture and demonstrates how a brand with a rich history can continue to lead the conversation.’ The Daily Mail reached out to Fox News for comment.