KATSEYE’s Lara Raj has issued a response following heavy criticism after she expressed admiration for Noah Schnapp’s performance in the latest season of Stranger Things, reigniting debate around the ongoing Noah Schnapp controversy 2025. The situation resurfaced as Lara’s comments collided with Schnapp’s previous polarizing statements and actions, drawing widespread attention and backlash from fans worldwide.
Noah Schnapp’s Past Actions and Ongoing Fallout
Noah Schnapp, who stars in Stranger Things, faced intense controversy in 2023 after distributing stickers with pro-Israeli slogans such as “Zionism is sexy” and “Hamas is ISIS.” His attempt to clarify his position via social media failed to ease the situation and was met with further outrage. In a TikTok video, Schnapp pleaded:
“I only want peace and safety and security for all innocent people affected by this conflict. I’ve had many open discussions with friends from a Palestinian background, and I think those are very important conversations to have and I’ve learned a lot,”
— Noah Schnapp, Actor
He added:
“And I just hope to one day see those two groups be able to live harmoniously together in that region. And I hope for 2024 online to see people be a little more understanding and compassionate and recognise that we’re all human, regardless of our race, of our ethnicity, of our background, of our country of birth, even our sexuality, of anything. We are all human and we’re all the same and we should all love each other for that and support each other and stand together.”
— Noah Schnapp, Actor
Nevertheless, these messages did little to stem calls for boycotts, and Stranger Things has since been mired in controversy. The backlash persisted, with the show periodically trending for all the wrong reasons as social media users revisited Schnapp’s actions and their implications.
Lara Raj’s Reaction to Stranger Things Jolts Social Media
Lara Raj, member of K-pop group KATSEYE, posted a video on TikTok reacting to a pivotal action scene in Stranger Things’ fifth season, where Will Byers saves key characters. She openly commented on Noah Schnapp’s performance, describing the scene as visually striking and praising his portrayal. She said:
“Will looks so hot, like he looked so hot in that last scene. I’m like period, you’re giving,”
— Lara Raj, Singer
Her compliments triggered a large response online, particularly given perceptions that Lara has publicly supported Palestinian causes. Critics swiftly pointed out an apparent disconnect between her social advocacy and appreciation for Schnapp, with some posts stating:
“Chronically online, queer, woman of colour, follows a Palestine account on Instagram, but is here thirsting over someone who thinks killing Palestinians is sexy,”
— Unattributed
“I’m genuinely starting to like this group less and less.”
— Unattributed
“KATSEYE confuses me so much. One day they’re progressive and standing for what’s right and then the other day the chronically online member is praising a proud and loud Zionist actor like??? And don’t even start with ‘she means the character,’”
— Unattributed
The online uproar was magnified by Lara’s large online presence and KATSEYE’s reputation for political and social engagement. Posts critiquing Lara quickly gained millions of views and shares, as discussion escalated across platforms.
Lara Raj Issues a Public Clarification
Confronted by the mounting criticism, Lara Raj released a statement to clarify her remarks. Addressing the controversy through social media, she stated:
“oh hell nah guys i am just a fan of the show! I was not aware about any of the actors backgrounds or stances. I was not sharing support for anything but the show do not get it twisted! Thank you”
— Lara Raj, Singer
Her reply did little to quell the negative sentiment, with users noting the lack of a direct apology or expression of solidarity with Palestinians. Some reactions were captured online:
“Chronically online enough to see the backlash but not enough to know he’s a freak.”
— Unattributed
“No apology no clear Palestinian support, just a slick ass ‘don’t get it twisted’ oh she’s not serious,”
— Unattributed
Lara emphasized her lack of awareness about Schnapp’s previous controversies, reiterating that her excitement was strictly related to the show’s storyline.
The Broader Impact and What Lies Ahead
The entwined controversies around Noah Schnapp’s comments and Lara Raj’s subsequent reaction underline the complexities faced by public figures navigating sensitive political topics and fan expectations in 2025. With the Noah Schnapp controversy 2025 now encompassing both celebrity actions and the responses of prominent fans, these events have opened broader conversations about accountability, advocacy, and personal versus public identity.
As social media continues to amplify every misstep, both performers and fans find themselves in a landscape where statements are endlessly scrutinized. The situation is likely to influence how celebrities and influencers approach commentary on divisive issues. For KATSEYE, Lara Raj, and even Stranger Things, the scrutiny will likely linger as fans and critics alike continue to debate the boundaries of fandom, activism, and responsibility in global pop culture.
— babo #IDODRTWRK (@Babo4aespa) November 30, 2025
KATSEYE’s Lara clarifies her ‘Stranger Things 5’ comment:
“oh hell nah guys i am just a fan of the show! I was not aware about any of the actors backgrounds or stances. I was not sharing support for anything but the show do not get it twisted! Thank you” pic.twitter.com/7S5r2ZT8yM
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 1, 2025
