Recently, there have been instances within the BL industry where actors have faced cancellation due to allegations or revelations about their past behavior. Be it the whole controversy surrounding Build of the "KinnPorsche" fame, or the actors associated with GMMTV. And most of the allegations have ranged from sexual abuse, mental abuse, bullying, to homophobic behavior. And we all know,... how deeply problematic and serious implications such kind of behaviour can have.
Now,...canceling an actor typically involves withdrawing support, boycotting their work, and holding them accountable for their actions. However, it's important to approach the topic of cancellation with a balanced perspective, considering factors such as the seriousness of the allegations, the veracity of claims, and the potential for personal growth and change. Because often fans are divided on these issues.
The process of addressing canceled BL actors' past behavior raises several complex questions. It involves examining how the industry should respond to such allegations, how actors can be held accountable while allowing room for growth and redemption, and the impact of cancellations on the reputation of the series they were involved in.
Additionally, there is room to discuss the role of production companies and agencies in vetting actors' past behavior to prevent controversies, the responsibility of fans in supporting or boycotting canceled actors, and the ways in which fans can separate an actor's personal behavior from their on-screen performances. Like for example: "Be On Cloud" went from being touted as the best production company in the Thai BL industry, to the worst within a matter of few months, due to their inability to handle the whole "Build-Poi" fiasco, that was eventually dragged to Court.
So,...my questions to you are as follows:
How should the BL industry address the accountability and consequences for BL actors who have been accused or found guilty of the past behavior?
Is it possible for BL actors who have engaged in such behavior to undergo personal growth and change, and if so, how can they demonstrate their redemption to regain public trust?
What measures can be taken to ensure a safer and more respectful working environment within the BL industry to prevent instances of sexual abuse or discriminatory behavior?
How does the cancellation of BL actors for past behavior impact the industry as a whole, including the series they were involved in and the fans who supported them?
What role do fans play in the cancellation and redemption process of BL actors? Should fans separate an actor's past behavior from their present work, or is it important to hold them accountable indefinitely?
How can the BL industry create guidelines or policies to address and prevent instances of sexual abuse, discrimination, and other harmful behaviours?
What support or resources should be provided to victims of sexual abuse or discrimination within the BL industry, and how can the industry work to promote healing and justice?
First, before I answer your question, let me point out that I do not believe that Be on Could (BOC) did better or worse than any other company would have done when faced with such a difficult situation. In fact, they handled everything appropriately by doing what any professional company would in a similar instance. However, the issue arose because BOC did not take a side between the supporters of Poi and those rallying behind Build.
BOC listened to both sides and acknowledged the severity of the allegations. They temporarily suspended the actor in question until more information was gathered, and once the full extent of the allegations became known, they had discussions with him (and possibly her) privately and decided to terminate the contract. We are unaware of the specifics regarding the discussions held if the actor was proven innocent or guilty. Nonetheless, it is confirmed that BOC maintained a friendly contact with both parties behind the scenes. This may not align with the desires of the fans, who often seek extreme resolutions, but it demonstrates that BOC handled the situation with humanity and compassion behind closed doors. They actively listened, refrained from passing judgment, and provided guidance. Ultimately, they had to make a decision that was not only fair to Build or Poi, but also to all other actors and talents affiliated with BOC.
How should the BL industry address the accountability and consequences for BL actors who have been accused or found guilty of the past behavior?
I think it depends on the nature of the accusations, the timing of the incidents, and their frequency. If someone is repeatedly engaging in hate speech, bullying others, or has a history of violence, regardless of whether they are an actor, director, playwright, or any other role, it would be appropriate to discontinue working with that person.
However, it is essential to differentiate between cases where individuals are proven guilty (such as through a court process) and situations where random Twitter users make claims. To the best of my knowledge, none of the claims made by Twitter users in the Build case have been substantiated, despite the shocking stories that were shared. Most of these claims were made by teenagers or individuals seeking attention or "fame." Therefore, it is crucial to be aware that not every cry for justice on Twitter or social media is necessarily true. Both networks and fans need to maintain this awareness. When the details surrounding an incident are unclear, it is important for people, regardless of their fandom, to keep an open mind.
Is it possible for BL actors who have engaged in such behavior to undergo personal growth and change, and if so, how can they demonstrate their redemption to regain public trust?
It depends on their actions and motives. Take the example of Phuwin. He faced backlash for using intense cursing, including calling a character an "ADHD retard" while playing a video game. Once he realized that this language was offensive to people, he apologized. After acknowledging the problem, he simply refrains from using that expression. That should be the end of the story.
However, if someone repeatedly uses homophobic or racist slurs, apologizes, but continues to use them, their apologies become questionable. In such cases, the network should take action. Trust is built on honesty and sincerity, and these qualities can only be proven over time.
What measures can be taken to ensure a safer and more respectful working environment within the BL industry to prevent instances of sexual abuse or discriminatory behavior?
Establishing clear guidelines for everyone involved would be an initial step. It is crucial to promote diversity within companies and on sets, fostering an inclusive environment. Additionally, reducing hierarchical structures and implementing consequences for bullying or insults are essential measures. These were some of the topics discussed by BOC actors following the company's takeover, reflecting a positive direction.
Moreover, allowing individuals to express their true selves and accepting them for who they are is vital. It is important to ensure that questions from reporters are appropriate and respectful. Providing a platform for actors to voice their concerns when they are not okay is crucial. Lastly, reevaluating the focus on fan service and shifting towards a more authentic and genuine approach can greatly benefit the industry.
How does the cancellation of BL actors for past behavior impact the industry as a whole, including the series they were involved in and the fans who supported them?
The question of cancellation is subjective and depends on who is initiating it and whether it is justified. Personally, I believe that social media should not serve as a substitute for a courtroom. It lacks the presence of lawyers, police, judges, juries, and official sentencing. Even when legal authorities are involved, cancellation can persist beyond the completion of an official sentence. It becomes a perpetual life sentence, regardless of the individual's actions or innocence. This group dynamic, where people push each other to extreme views fueled by hatred, is dangerous and detached from reality.
Let's take the example of Ohm. As a child, he bullied a classmate and faced punishment from both the school and his parents. He apologized, learned from his mistakes, and still feels deep remorse about his actions to this day. On a smaller scale, the issue had been resolved. However, someone resurfaced it, causing the entire situation to reignite with even greater intensity. Now, Ohm is forced to apologize again to people who had no involvement in the original incident. The person he bullied is reminded of the pain once more. Despite his efforts, people continue to call for his cancellation. This, to me, is utter madness.
Cancellations have a detrimental impact on everyone involved. They affect the actors, their colleagues, the network, and even the fans of the actor. Conversely, those advocating for cancellations are never satisfied. If they achieve their goal, they immediately move on to their next target. If they don't succeed, they grow louder and more extreme, perpetuating the cycle with a new victim in sight. No one emerges as a winner in this scenario. It serves no purpose other than providing a sense of importance and moral superiority to those who call for cancellations while accusing others.
What role do fans play in the cancellation and redemption process of BL actors? Should fans separate an actor's past behavior from their present work, or is it important to hold them accountable indefinitely?
They play a significant role in the cancellation process as they are often the ones who unearth past issues and initiate calls for cancellation. However, they do not contribute to the redemption process because redemption is not part of the cancellation game. I have yet to witness those advocating for cancellation being satisfied with any subsequent apologies that are offered.
Furthermore, I believe it is not the fans' responsibility to hold individuals accountable. If someone performs well in their job, such as acting, and does not engage in criminal or offensive behavior, it is not anyone's concern. If they commit a crime or behave offensively, charges should be pressed or a police investigation should take place. Whether fans choose to continue supporting and watching their work or disengage is a personal decision.
Fans are fans, not law enforcement officials, social workers, judges, or prison guards. The fact that some fans in the Build/Poi incident resorted to searching for "evidence" online was not only ludicrous, considering the case involved physical abuse and not cyber crimes, but also futile. Unless they were able to access CCTV camera records from inside the apartment where the incident occurred, online findings cannot prove or disprove anything. It simply reflects an inflated sense of self-importance, a detachment from reality, and a lack of understanding about how real-life police investigations function, which is deeply concerning.
How can the BL industry create guidelines or policies to address and prevent instances of sexual abuse, discrimination, and other harmful behaviours?
I think i answered that with question number 3?
What support or resources should be provided to victims of sexual abuse or discrimination within the BL industry, and how can the industry work to promote healing and justice?
I believe it is crucial not to ignore or cover up instances of sexual harassment and abuse as a first step towards addressing the issue.
In addition, allowing actors to have a private life without it being considered taboo, including having girlfriends and boyfriends, would be beneficial. This transparency would reveal their true selves and enable them to be more open about their personal lives.
Given the immense pressure actors face, having mental health professionals readily available on sets or within networks and companies would be beneficial. This would provide individuals with a safe space to seek support without fear and send a powerful message that victims are not alone but rather supported by the networks and companies.
Furthermore, studios should thoroughly investigate claims, involve law enforcement officials, and take decisive action by terminating the employment of abusers. In cases where evidence is established, studios should assist their actors with legal proceedings and provide access to lawyers. This collaborative approach, involving the network, mental health professionals, and legal representatives, would create a united front to support victims, expedite the identification of abuse and abusers, and promote a more effective response.
I hope that answers all your questions?
