HYBE Ithaca Holdings acquisition controversy: Did BTS profits cover Scooter Braun's debt?

Did the fruits of global superstardom fund a massive corporate bailout? HYBE is under renewed fire following a viral report that alleges the company's 2021 acquisition of Ithaca Holdings primarily served to clear the debts of Scooter Braun using profits generated by BTS. The report, originally from NewTamsa and amplified on Korean community sites like TheQoo, has sparked a heated debate over corporate ethics and artist rights.

The HYBE Ithaca Holdings acquisition controversy resurfaces

At the heart of the HYBE Ithaca Holdings acquisition controversy is the structure of the $1 billion deal. Critics argue that the merger wasn't just a strategic expansion into the U.S. market but a move to absorb Ithaca Holdings' significant liabilities. According to reports, HYBE effectively utilized the massive cash reserves built up by BTS to pay off loans tied to Scooter Braun’s previous business ventures. This has led to questions about whether the capital was used in the best interests of the artists and shareholders.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time as HYBE continues its push to become a global multi-label powerhouse. While the company has not issued a formal rebuttal to these specific claims in this recent cycle, the sentiment among fans is increasingly wary. For ARMY and investors alike, the transparency of how BTS’s contributions are allocated remains a critical point of concern in the ongoing HYBE Ithaca Holdings acquisition controversy.