BLACKPINK’s Jennie is under fire for indoor smoking, and now a staff member from the scene is sharing their side of the story.
A netizen, identified as staff member A, who claimed to be present during the incident, explained, “The video was taken at the Jacquemus fashion show waiting area, which was not a designated non-smoking area. Jennie asked if she could smoke, and with the window open, she proceeded to do so.”
They continued, “While a staff member was looking for lip products, Jennie inhaled from a bubble stick bought from a convenience store. The timing coincided with her exhaling smoke. Even after the show, Jennie repeatedly apologized, and the staff member, who is also a smoker, said it was fine.” They went on, “While it’s true that smoke passed over her head, I don’t think this incident should bring up old conduct or character issues. As a friend, I’m upset about the misunderstandings and felt compelled to comment.”
However, there are inaccuracies in A’s statement. While e-cigarettes were not initially considered tobacco, a 2014 amendment to the Tobacco Business Act reclassified them. Additionally, Italy has banned indoor smoking in all public places since 2005, and recent legislation has proposed extending these bans to outdoor areas such as bar patios, bus stops, and parks.
This has led to suspicions that A’s account might be fabricated. A has not yet provided further clarification on this matter.
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