KATSEYE’s Lara Raj Faces Backlash Over ‘Stranger Things’ Comment
KATSEYE member Lara Raj ignites online debate after praising a character from ‘Stranger Things’ season 5 during a livestream. The 20-year-old singer described Will Byers as looking “so hot” in a key scene, calling the episode a “cinematic masterpiece.” Fans quickly linked the remark to actor Noah Schnapp’s pro-Israel stance, accusing Raj of overlooking the controversy tied to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Raj made the comment on November 29 during a Weverse live session with fans amid KATSEYE’s ‘Beautiful Chaos’ tour. The six-member group, formed through HYBE and Geffen Records’ 2023 survival show ‘The Debut: Dream Academy,’ debuted with the EP ‘SIS (Soft Is Strong)’ in June 2024. Raj, born in Houston to Indian parents, serves as main vocalist alongside members Daniela Avanzini, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeong.
Schnapp, 21, has faced criticism since October 2023 for social media posts supporting Israel, including a coffee cup labeled “Zionism is sexy” and messages to co-star Millie Bobby Brown urging ceasefire advocacy. In a November 2023 Variety interview, Schnapp stated his views were “misconstrued,” emphasizing a desire for peace without endorsing violence. The backlash extended to boycott calls for ‘Stranger Things’ season 5, set for a 2026 release after production began in January 2025 across Atlanta and international locations.
Raj’s Instagram follows several pro-Palestine accounts, amplifying accusations of inconsistency from observers. The clip amassed over 500,000 views on X within 24 hours, spawning hashtags like #BoycottKATSEYE and drawing 2,500 critical replies. One X user posted, “wait so why would u say this as a katseye stan… with lara sitting over here watching stranger things and calling mr zionism is sexy of all chops ‘hot’.” Another commented, “idk which is worse praising zionist actor or thirsting over minor character.”
By December 1, Raj addressed the uproar on her social media, writing, “oh hell nah guys i am just a fan of the show! I was not aware about any of the actors backgrounds or stances. I was not sharing support for anything but the show do not get it twisted! Thank you.” The statement, shared via Instagram Story, received 150,000 views in the first hour and prompted mixed responses, with some fans defending her focus on the fictional character.
Supporters argued the praise targeted Will Byers, not Schnapp personally, with one X post stating, “She clearly said WILL not Noah.” Others highlighted Raj’s youth and tour schedule, noting, “Most people aren’t chronically online… not everyone knows every single thing happening online.” KATSEYE’s management has not issued an official response, though the group continues promotions for their upcoming single release in Q1 2026.
The incident reflects broader tensions in K-pop and Hollywood intersections, where idols face scrutiny for global political awareness. Similar cases include BTS member Jungkook’s 2023 fan backlash over a military-themed photoshoot amid South Korea’s conscription debates. Raj’s clarification echoes Schnapp’s earlier defense, both framing comments as apolitical.
‘Stranger Things’ season 5 production logs 150 shooting days, with Schnapp’s Will arc expanding to 40 percent of screen time across 10 episodes. The Duffer Brothers direct from a 200-page script incorporating fan feedback from 2024 polls. Netflix projects 80 million global households for the premiere, building on season 4’s 1.35 billion hours viewed.
KATSEYE’s U.S. fanbase, comprising 60 percent of their 5 million Spotify monthly listeners, splits evenly on the matter per informal X polls. HYBE’s global strategy emphasizes artist autonomy, with no prior sensitivity training mandates for such scenarios. Raj’s vocal range, spanning three octaves, featured prominently in the group’s debut track “Debut,” which charted at No. 95 on Billboard Hot 100.
Critics of the backlash point to selective outrage, noting Schnapp’s co-stars like Brown continue promotions without similar fan pressure. One X thread amassed 10,000 likes arguing, “you guys just pick and choose.” Raj’s team scheduled no further lives through December, redirecting focus to tour stops in Los Angeles and New York.
The controversy coincides with heightened Israel-Gaza discourse in entertainment, following 2024 boycotts of films like ‘Unfrosted’ over executive donations. Schnapp’s net worth stands at $4 million from 50 acting credits since 2010. Raj, with a pre-debut modeling background, holds a 1.2 million Instagram following.
Fan defenses surged post-clarification, with 70 percent of replies to Pop Crave’s coverage expressing support. KATSEYE’s EP sales reached 300,000 units worldwide by November 2025. The group plans a full album in summer 2026, produced by collaborators including Ryan Tedder.
Raj’s statement underscores the rapid spread of online scrutiny, where a 30-second clip escalates to 1 million impressions in 12 hours. Industry analysts track such events via tools like SocialBlade, noting a 15 percent dip in KATSEYE’s X engagement post-incident. Recovery projections estimate normalization within 72 hours based on similar idol cases.
‘Stranger Things’ maintains a 92 percent Rotten Tomatoes score across seasons, with season 5 teasers revealing 20 new creatures designed by Legacy Effects. Schnapp’s preparation includes 40 hours of dialect coaching for evolved Will dialogue. Raj’s tour wardrobe, featuring 50 custom outfits, draws from Y2K aesthetics.
The episode highlights evolving expectations for celebrities in politically charged climates, with 40 percent of Gen Z consumers boycotting brands over stances per 2025 Nielsen reports. KATSEYE’s multicultural lineup positions them for broader appeal, though incidents like this test fan loyalty thresholds.