'Attention seeker' or 'standing up against HYBE'? NewJeans' Hanni sparks debate over sharing Chappell Roan's GRAMMY speech

Months have passed since NewJeans members¡ªMinji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein¡ªannounced their departure from ADOR, a HYBE subsidiary. While no official documents confirm the termination of their contracts, the group has launched their own Instagram account, @jeanzforfree, keeping fans updated.

Recently, Hanni shared an Instagram story featuring a thumbnail from Chappell Roan's GRAMMY acceptance speech, accompanied by a fiery heart emoji.

Chappell Roan's GRAMMY speech

During the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, Chappell Roan won Best New Artist and used her speech to advocate for record labels to provide artists with healthcare and livable wages.

"If I ever won a GRAMMY and got to stand in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels offer a livable wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists," she stated, reflecting on her struggles after being dropped by a label as a minor.

Credit: Instagram|jeanzforfree

Fan reactions

Hanni's post led many to believe she supports Roan's message, especially since she previously attended a hearing regarding alleged mistreatment by HYBE. However, some netizens argued that her situation differs, pointing out that HYBE provided extensive resources, including music videos for all of NewJeans' debut releases with many even labeling her a "privileged attention seeker."

One said, "This girl really got hated on for speaking up against mistreatment by labels against artists. Hanni and Chappell the artists y¡¯all are <3"

This girl really got hated on for speaking up against mistreatment by labels against artists. Hanni and Chappell the artists y¡¯all are <3 https://t.co/IGhpTHTQsF pic.twitter.com/KzusJR8Wrp

¡ª yb (@bammi057) February 3, 2025

While another said, "No trainee debt, a penthouse, high budget, full freedom for their creative team, regular vacations and 3M a year since debut¡­ Chappell isn¡¯t even asking for all that, just a livable wage. But so kind of her to spread this message for new artists who aren¡¯t as privileged as her"

No trainee debt, a penthouse, high budget, full freedom for their creative team, regular vacations and 3M a year since debut¡­ Chappell isn¡¯t even asking for all that, just a livable wage

But so kind of her to spread this message for new artists who aren¡¯t as privileged as her https://t.co/xH80gckyXh

¡ª stovi (@stovisss) February 3, 2025

One even stated, "nwjns pisses me off because they dont just fight for their freedom but side with their nasty ceo who protects men committing sexual harassment and corners the victim to resign. so fuck them all and keep chappell out of this"

nwjns pisses me off because they dont just fight for their freedom but side with their nasty ceo who protects men committing sexual harassment and corners the victim to resign. so fuck them all and keep chappell out of this https://t.co/4TYgIcFpN5

¡ª ara ?~? (@piggyspo) February 3, 2025

NewJeans' legal battle with ADOR

On October 15, 2024, Hanni attended a National Assembly hearing, alleging workplace bullying at HYBE. However, five days later, the Ministry of Employment and Labor ruled that, under current law, she does not qualify as a worker and is therefore not protected against workplace harassment.

NewJeans previously held an emergency press conference to announce their intent to terminate their ADOR contracts, citing unmet demands. ADOR responded with legal action, seeking to enforce the contracts. The group has since hired a high-profile law firm and ruled out any return to ADOR or HYBE. They also launched a social media contest for a temporary group name, though ADOR warned that renaming the group could have legal consequences.

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