Filipino Delivery Drivers Who Called BTS Homophobic Slurs Get Suspended By Grab Philippines

Here’s what happened.

Prior to the Philippine launch of BTS‘s collaboration with McDonald’s, delivery service Grab was called out for the allegedly disrespectful statements made by their drivers.

BTS | McDonald’s

On June 16, a Filipino ARMY posted screenshots of a thread made in a Facebook community exclusive to Grab drivers. One employee shared the company’s advertisement promoting the “BTS Meal” and implied that fellow motorists should boycott the event.

Facebook post of a Grab Philippines driver insulting BTS | @vmindables/Twitter

Are you guys ready to take a day off on Friday, fellow BIOT 🀣

β€” Grab Driver

“Biot” is a derogatory term used to demean homosexual men, further inciting the anger of BTS fans. They pointed out that such a nickname makes a mockery out of the LGBTQ+ community.

Far from being the only person who had the same thoughts on the Korean boy group, other Grab drivers responded to the post by echoing the insult and adding their own curse words.

| @vmindables/Twitter

While some did not want the collective group of drivers to suffer due to the comments of a few, fans urged one another to avoid using the delivery service.

Grab Philippines gave an official response to the issue after the Twitter post went viral. They affirmed that they do not tolerate “inexcusable behaviors” as they try to have an “inclusive and diverse platform.”

The company reassured their users that they have suspended the delivery partners who posted the crude remarks.

Grab Philippines’ statement | @vmindables/Twitter

Inclusivity is one of Grab’s core values, and we have zero-tolerance policy for inexcusable behaviors. We have immediately suspended the delivery-partners in question and will continue to work hard to maintain an inclusive and diverse platform.

β€” Grab Philippines

They urged Filipinos to continue using their service for the sake of their community of Grab drivers who work hard to support their families.

Our delivery partners continue to provide significant services for our [countrymen] during these trying times. We hope that our consumers will not let the actions of a few select individuals affect the livelihoods of the many delivery-partners who rely on the Grab platform to support their families.

β€” Grab Philippines

The “BTS Meal” launched in the Philippines on June 18. It was made available for dine-in, take-out, and delivery via the McDonald’s delivery app, Grab Philippines, and other partners.

BTS