2026 Oscars spark racism backlash after seemingly cutting off KPop Demon Hunters crew's speech for Golden win: 'They let these white men ramble…'

The 2026 Oscars are facing intense backlash after producers abruptly cut off the acceptance speech for Golden, the historic K-pop song from KPop Demon Hunters that just became the first K-pop track ever to win an Academy Award. Viewers and fans are furious, with many calling the network's decision to play over the winners as they tried to speak "disrespectful" and, for some, racially charged.

The moment was supposed to be a celebration of a groundbreaking achievement for K-pop on Hollywood's biggest stage. Instead, it's sparked a firestorm of criticism online, with fans pointing out what they see as a pattern of cutting short speeches from winners of colour while allowing others to ramble on.



When Golden was announced as the winner of Best Original Song, singer and co-writer EJAE took the stage, visibly emotional, joined by her fellow songwriters, including Mark Sonnenblick, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, and others.

Fighting back tears, EJAE delivered a powerful message about her journey. "Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone is singing our song and all the Korean lyrics," she said, her voice breaking. "I'm so proud. I realise the song, this award, is not about success. It's about resilience" .

After thanking her family, fiancé, and the teams at Netflix and Sony Animation, she graciously stepped back and asked, "Is there anyone else?" .

That's when co-writer Yu Han Lee stepped forward. He pulled out a prepared list of people he wanted to thank and began speaking. But as soon as he started talking with his accent, the orchestra's play-off music blared over him, drowning out his words.

Mark Sonnenblick, another co-writer, was visibly frustrated, jumping up and down and appearing to mouth "come on" as the team was ushered offstage while the broadcast cut to commercial. The entire team of songwriters, including those who had practised their English speeches for this moment, never got to share their thanks with the world.