On June 19, KATSEYE released the second teaser and photo look for their upcoming single “Gabriela” through their official YouTube channels. The teaser featured the six members in a stylish, telenovela-inspired setup, captivating fans with intense visuals, individual charisma, and dramatic flair. But it was the unexpected final frame—featuring Hollywood actress Jessica Alba—that truly set the internet ablaze, though not entirely for the right reasons.
While many initially celebrated the surprise cameo, criticism quickly surfaced across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and TikTok. Fans pointed to Jessica Alba’s previously expressed pro-Zionist views, specifically referencing a past post showing solidarity with Israel. For many, her appearance felt jarring, especially given KATSEYE’s previously perceived pro-Palestinian stance on social media.
The backlash intensified due to KATSEYE’s earlier associations with Zionism-linked figures. In particular, fans recalled the group’s public Disneyland visit with HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun—another name frequently tied to Zionist narratives. This contradiction sparked widespread accusations of political hypocrisy. Fans who once supported the group’s progressive stance questioned their sincerity, launching hashtags like #BoycottKATSEYE and #KATSEYEAccountability.
The teaser itself had promised a dramatic experience. Dressed in vintage-style Latin costumes, the members portrayed rich emotional tension in each scene, building anticipation for the music video’s full narrative. The closing cameo by Jessica Alba, meant to surprise, instead became the centerpiece of a broader cultural controversy.
The accompanying photo concept, released in phases starting June 17, deepened the storytelling theme of admiration, rivalry, and betrayal. Each member’s visual reflected the overarching “Gabriela” storyline—passion, power, and complexity. However, the visual rollouts were quickly overshadowed by the escalating online backlash.
At the core of fan frustration is the perceived inconsistency in values. Some fans noted that several KATSEYE members had followed or interacted with pro-Palestinian accounts like @eye.on.palestine, giving the impression that the group supported global humanitarian issues. The decision to collaborate with figures linked to Zionist messaging, therefore, felt like a betrayal to many in the fandom.
The controversy comes just ahead of key dates for the group. The “Gabriela” music video is scheduled to drop on June 20, with the full Beautiful Chaos EP releasing on June 27. The EP includes five tracks—“Gabriela,” “Gnarly,” “Gameboy,” “Mean Girls,” and “M.I.A.”—all of which were expected to solidify KATSEYE’s unique identity in the pop landscape. However, the current political outcry now threatens to derail the group’s promotional momentum.
