BLACKPINK member Lisa has apologised for using a racial slur in footage recorded during her early trainee years, saying she did not understand the word’s meaning at the time.
The 29-year-old addressed the controversy in an interview with Variety following the premiere of her new documentary, Always Lalisa, at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept 14.
The documentary includes an old clip recorded more than a decade ago, when Lisa and her BLACKPINK bandmates were still trainees at YG Entertainment. In the footage, the members can be heard using the N-word while rapping.
Lisa said she wanted to acknowledge the incident directly and expressed regret over her actions.
“I really have to apologise,” she said, explaining that she grew up in Thailand and had not received education about the racial slur while she was younger.
Lisa added that she has since learned about the word and its history and understands why using it was wrong.
“This is not OK. Seriously,” she said.
The footage had previously surfaced online ahead of Lisa’s solo performance at Coachella in 2025, becoming a major source of controversy surrounding the singer.
Lisa said the situation was particularly difficult because she had wanted to concentrate on her performance at the festival, but she continued with the show despite the controversy.
The documentary, which chronicles Lisa’s rise from a trainee to an international star, also explores her solo career and acting work, including her role in the third season of The White Lotus.
Always Lalisa premiered at TIFF and is scheduled to be released in cinemas on Oct 12.
Lisa, whose full name is Lalisa Manobal, remains a member of BLACKPINK while continuing her solo career.
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