Texas Anchor Faces Backlash for ‘Death to America’ Remark on Air
A Texas news anchor sparked outrage after falsely joking that limited-edition BTS Oreo cookies contained a "Death to America" message, prompting calls for his termination from fans.
James Eppler, an anchor at FOX 34 Lubbock, made the bizarre comment during what began as a lighthearted segment about the new cookie collaboration on Tuesday, as New York Post reports.
During the broadcast, Eppler was discussing details of the special edition cookie when he veered into controversial territory. He correctly noted that the cream filling was designed to taste like hotteok, a traditional South Korean brown sugar-filled pancake that band members have said they enjoyed as children.
Eppler then explained that the cookies featured the band’s signature purple color and that the wafers were engraved with one of 13 different designs. He proceeded to falsely claim these designs spelled out Death to America when assembled together, adding that he found it strange.
His co-anchors appeared visibly shocked by the statement. Eppler quickly walked back the claim while laughing, clarifying it was not true. One colleague warned him that viewers might have just tuned in and missed the clarification.
The remark immediately triggered a firestorm of criticism online, particularly from BTS fans who condemned the comment as inappropriate, xenophobic, and unprofessional. Social media users called for his termination and demanded an apology.
Critics argued there was no place for such remarks in journalism, with one viewer writing online that if Eppler cannot report news professionally, he should not have a platform. Others questioned what Eppler found humorous about the comment and defended BTS members as humble and respectful individuals.
Oreo has described the collaboration as deeply meaningful, noting that the band placed elements of their Korean heritage into a cookie they have always loved. The group consists of seven members: RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.
Eppler, who also serves as a professor at Texas Tech, has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The controversy erupted during a significant week for BTS, who dominated the 2026 American Music Awards on Monday night. The K-pop group won all three categories for which they were nominated, including the prestigious artist of the year award. They also claimed best male K-pop artist and song of the summer for their track “Swim,” the lead single from their latest album “Arirang.”
Band leader RM thanked the group’s dedicated fanbase during their acceptance speech, expressing gratitude to supporters worldwide who have stood by them for 13 years.
With information from New York Post
