--- title: "Lisa Manobal Navigates Racial Slurs Scandal as Teenage Trainee" url: https://noti.group/lisa-manobal-navigates-racial-slurs-scandal-as-teenage-trainee/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Entertainment" published: 2026-10-10T23:31:35.000Z updated: 2026-10-11T01:25:11.775Z id: de5ed738-9c7d-4f21-98fd-ae970fdfde64 source: "BBC News Entertainment https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjzxl56q30k7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/lisa-manobal-navigates-racial-slurs-scandal-as-teenage-trainee/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Lisa Manobal Navigates Racial Slurs Scandal as Teenage Trainee A new documentary is set to give an intimate look at the personal side of K-pop star Lisa Manobal as she navigated a high-profile scandal involving racial slurs by her group Blackpink. The controversy emerged last year when leaked videos showed the band using explicit language during rehearsals for US rap songs while they were teenage trainees in the K-pop system. The clips, which included uncensored use of derogatory terms, sparked outrage among fans who demanded an apology from the group. As the scandal unfolded, Lisa was rehearsing for a crucial performance at the Coachella Festival in 2025. Her record label, however, forbade her and the rest of Blackpink from issuing a statement to address the situation, leaving their team in crisis mode. Documentarian Sue Kim gained access to Lisa's dressing room during this tumultuous period, where she found an unexpected willingness to open up about the controversy. According to Kim, she had anticipated that Lisa would decline to speak on camera but was surprised when the singer began sharing her thoughts and feelings. Lisa's candid reflection in the documentary reveals a mix of emotions as she grappled with the fallout from the scandal. Her words, spoken with a sense of shame and nervousness, convey the depth of the crisis facing Blackpink at that time. Lisa's age at the time of the video shoot is significant, as she explains that she was just 15 or 16 years old and lacked a deep understanding of cultural nuances. Her first language is Thai, and English is not her native tongue, which may have contributed to her unawareness of the term's potentially sensitive connotations. In hindsight, she acknowledges that her lack of education and experience led to mistakes that would never be repeated today. Lisa has since spoken publicly about the incident, issuing a formal apology in an interview with Variety. However, not everyone was convinced by her words, highlighting the complexities of navigating cultural differences in the public eye. The raw emotion and vulnerability displayed by Lisa during this moment are palpable, making for a compelling scene in Kim's documentary Always Lalisa. The film's director notes that there was no premeditation or media training involved in Lisa's candid response. Lisa's unguarded reaction is all the more striking given the immense pressure she was under at the time, with death threats and safety concerns clouding her thoughts as she prepared to launch her solo album Alter Ego. The documentary offers a candid look at Lisa's life as one of K-pop's biggest stars, but it also raises questions about the extent to which she was involved in its creation. Commissioned by her record label's film division, some critics might view the documentary as a marketing tool designed to promote Lisa and Blackpink. However, director Kim credits Lisa with being open and honest throughout the filmmaking process. In fact, Kim notes that Lisa allowed the filmmakers almost complete access to her life, which is unusual in the world of celebrity documentaries. This level of transparency helped to create a film that is both revealing and respectful. The documentary's focus on Lisa's struggles as she navigates the K-pop industry and tries to break into the Western music market adds depth to the story. Lisa's decision to leave Korean entertainment company YG was a bold move, one that required immense courage according to those close to her. Kim, a person familiar with Lisa's situation, notes that she is typically a kind and sweet individual who prefers not to rock the boat. However, having been trained in the K-pop system from a young age, Lisa had grown accustomed to following a certain path and adhering to expectations. The potential benefits of going solo were substantial, but so too were the risks involved. For Lisa, this meant venturing into uncharted territory and asserting herself in unfamiliar situations. As seen in the documentary, Lisa struggled to assert her independence in the recording studio and was often overcome with nerves when singing. This may have been partly due to her age and experience within the K-pop industry. In home videos of Lisa competing in talent shows as a seven-year-old girl, Kim sees glimpses of a confident individual who eventually reclaims her agency as she grows older. As Lisa navigates her role in The White Lotus, she's able to shed some of the constraints of her pop career. On set, Lisa is described as a free spirit who doesn't hold back from enjoying herself. The show's executive producer recalls that Lisa threw memorable parties, with tequila shots being a key feature. Lisa's time away from K-pop in the US broadened her perspective, according to the director. She was exposed to an entertainment industry where performers are not bound by traditional expectations of chastity and restraint. When two prominent stars engage with each other, it can be seen as a power move that benefits their careers. This new understanding gave Lisa a sense of liberation, making her realize she could have a different life if she chose to pursue marriage and motherhood without sacrificing her career. --- Source: [BBC News Entertainment](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjzxl56q30k7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/lisa-manobal-navigates-racial-slurs-scandal-as-teenage-trainee/