It's 2022, over two years into the pandemic, and some still find humour in making racist jokes and innuendos about COVID-19.

On 4 April, a media outfit shared a video recap of the recently concluded 64th GRAMMY Awards. The 6-minute clip featured a rundown of what went down at the main ceremony, including snippets of BTS' stunning performance of 'Butter'. The recap also stated: "BTS dropped in, dismissing their very recent battles with COVID-19," partnered with a clip of BTS member Kim Taehyung in the audience with added coughing sounds, and "germs" as visual effects.

The original clip shows the 'Inner Child' act enjoying Justin Bieber's 'Peaches' performance.

You know V is thinking about how he can incorporate his saxophone into Justin Bieber's #Peaches. 🎷 #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/N5RMVflp5q

— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 4, 2022

Two BTS members, Jungkook and J-hope, who recently ended their respective quarantine periods, both tested negative for COVID-19 before resuming their activities.

The BTS ARMY (fans of BTS) took to Twitter with #StopAsianHate to share their disappointment that racist comments about COVID-19 are still taken as "comedy," especially these days when the disease has claimed and affected millions of lives across the globe. 

This blew my mind. COVID is not a joke. Racism is not a joke. If you think this is ok, you need to take a step back and think about the harm these things have caused to thousands of people around the word.

APOLOGIZE TO BTS
APOLOGIZE TO TAEHYUNG#StopAsianHate #RespectBTS pic.twitter.com/3CPUwS6DWo

— Marra (@sunflower_soda) April 4, 2022

it's comedy? no, obviously? it's disguised racism, plain and simple. the attempt at humor is straight up disrespectful. gone are the days where we let stuff like this pass without repercussions. apologize and take down the post. #StopAsianHate https://t.co/oJmWIHXk4k

— sweet_army💜 (@BelenWenilyn) April 4, 2022

Sorry friends. I wanted to keep my tl positive but there is NO tolerance here for racism. Shame on anyone who thought that segment was a good idea. To all of my fellow asians, we will get through this. Stay strong & stay safe. We are here and we won’t be silent #StopAsianHate

— tati⁷✨glitterbug✨ (@t_tati7) April 4, 2022

Racism is not funny. It’s 2022 and you should know better. Racism should never be an option to introduce a artist. Educate yourself and apologize. disgusting. I thought we left this kind of racism in 2021 but surely not. #StopAsianHate https://t.co/HWqW4eCCai

— cass | ia 📚 (@jmnparkq) April 4, 2022

Also ... In case this isn't clear: V was laughing and the outlet added graphics to make it look like he was spreading COVID. They knew exactly what they were doing. It's not just a "joke." This is disgusting and it's this kind of action that normalizes racism. #StopAsianHate

— Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 (@GoAwayWithJae) April 4, 2022

In a statement in 2021, BTS themselves shared their thoughts on racism against Asians: "We stand against discrimination. You, I, and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together."

#StopAsianHate#StopAAPIHate pic.twitter.com/mOmttkOpOt

— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) March 30, 2021

To donate to the #StopAsianHate fund, click here. 

To report anti-Asian violence and hate in America, you may reach out to the Asian American Justice Center and Stop AAPI Hate.