Mark Lee Directly Addresses Racism Controversy, Sparking Mixed Reactions

Following Mark Lee‘s departure from NCT, the idol was involved in several scandals, including allegations of racism.

These stemmed from the idol wearing a shirt featuring a Confederate flag, a symbol associated with slavery, white supremacy, and the American Civil War. Backlash followed, with many expressing fury over the idol wearing, with some sharing that Canadians are taught about the history and meaning behind the flag.

His company released a statement, but many were left unsatisfied with the apology.

Mark Lee’s Problematic Actions Hit With Major Backlash In New Update

Mark has now directly addressed the controversy himself, along with talking about his future plans.

During a live stream on Instagram, Mark admitted that it had been on his mind for a while, and that he felt like he needed to address it.

Regarding the t-shirt with the Confederate flag on it, I am aware of the pain that it brought to a lot of people. Um, especially to my Black fans, to the Black community — I know that I was, I should have, I am very responsible for — But, I really wanted to directly tell you guys it really wasn’t my intention with me knowing the meaning of the flag, the historical significance of it. It really shouldn’t have happened and it really does not reflect who I am as a person. Seeing so many fans hurt by it it really hurt me as well. I had no intention, knowing the meaning of the flag, and I should have, there are no excuses for that. I just wanted to promise you guys that nothing like that will ever happen again.

— Mark

He added more, saying that he and his team had taken steps to make sure it didn’t happen again. Mark also stated that he had been sitting on his thoughts about the situation for a while and that it seemed like it was the right time.

It really breaks my heart to think that maybe the trust has been broken but I promise that I’ll make it up to you guys. With my actions and with my music, I’ll make sure to make it up to you guys, if you will allow me to have one more chance.

— Mark

Mark also promised to educate himself more on “that matter” as well, and stated he was shocked and read about it and that he and his team tried to make sure it wasn’t on any official content, but that the photo was leaked.

In response to the apology, reactions have been mixed. Some feel that Mark’s apology took too long, and that it did not feel genuine.

this vtuber ass apology. so you and your whole team…are all stupid enough to not know what a confederate flag looks like? yall knew that the written apology was dogshit and then let you address it via an unprepared livestream of you talking in circles. okay.

— vie ̶☾ (@hotgalhaechan) August 21, 2026

took him 2 months to do this btw

— mikey ᶻ 𝘇 XDIZ IS 6 (@lxvetug) August 21, 2026

Others acknowledged the timing, while being thankful he directly addressed the communities he affected.

holy fking finally. it’s still not my apology to accept and it’s about time, but finally, we have acknowledgement of the black community and the ISSUE and the accountability. all the “I”s. that’s what i personally wanted to hear. again not my place. but better than the og letter.

— ami⁺⁸² ✆ TASTE (@mhaestake) August 21, 2026

“hes saying um a lot” is better than reading robotically from a prepared script. “took him 2 months” is better staying silent for the rest of his career.

if he didn’t do this live then you’d STILL be on his ass for not doing anything. none of you will be satisfied

— rubee 🍏 (@82fruits) August 21, 2026

You can watch the full apology below.

mark lee finally speaking up about the t shirt incident pic.twitter.com/Ohc7ShcwWs

— n (@yu444ta) August 21, 2026