Read on Twitter
Hanson has quietly maintained a fiercely loyal fandom ever since “MMMBop.” But after the band’s controversial response to Black Lives Matter and Covid + a shocking leaked Pinterest, 100s of Hanson fans are revolting. My reported deep dive for @VICE: https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7aep4/hanson-is-facing-a-mutiny-from-its-own-fans
There are many layers to what's gone on with Hanson this year, but one of the most devastating was the revelation of a secret Pinterest account belonging to Zac, which featured racist, sexist, homophobic, and transphobic memes. https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7aep4/hanson-is-facing-a-mutiny-from-its-own-fans
In an emailed statement to VICE for this story, Zac wrote, "The leaked Pinterest page provided a distorted view of the issues surrounding race and social justice, which do not reflect my personal beliefs. I apologize for the hurt my actions caused." https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7aep4/hanson-is-facing-a-mutiny-from-its-own-fans
Last week, Isaac posted an Insta story that seemed to imply Covid was a hoax to cancel Christmas. Now, he tells VICE, "I don’t believe there is a group conspiring against Christmas, only that I hope value is placed on both practices of safety & of faith." https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7aep4/hanson-is-facing-a-mutiny-from-its-own-fans
For this story, I interviewed fans from across the country, all of whom had been supporting the band for 20+ years. Again & again, the emotions I heard were those of profound heartbreak—not of vengeful "cancel culture" delighting in tearing anyone down. https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7aep4/hanson-is-facing-a-mutiny-from-its-own-fans
Exhibit A for why the ex-fans who spoke to me felt the need to use pseudonyms:
Many Hanson fans expressed frustration that the band gave statements to @VICE when they had never addressed the issues directly with fans.
Hanson just released a new newsletter, ignoring the drama: “This week has been mostly R&R&R (Rest, Relaxation and Recuperation).”
Hanson just released a new newsletter, ignoring the drama: “This week has been mostly R&R&R (Rest, Relaxation and Recuperation).”
The band also focuses on the streaming aspect of their concerts, not mentioning that they are selling nearly 200 in-person tix to each indoor show mid-pandemic. There are strict social distancing measures outlined online, but some fans say it’s not enough. https://www.vice.com/en/article/m7aep4/hanson-is-facing-a-mutiny-from-its-own-fans
A heartbreaking connection several fans have pointed out that makes Hanson’s decision to hold in-person concerts right now even more baffling. https://twitter.com/thetraciest/status/1327684386372857857
