“It’s bad,” Lisa Manobal said of leaked videos showing her using racial slurs as a teenager. The Blackpink singer addresses the controversy in the documentary Always Lalisa, which debuts in IMAX and cinemas worldwide on October 12, the BBC reported.
Lisa addresses racial slur controversy in Always Lalisa
The film captures a crisis unfolding during Lisa’s rehearsals for a 2025 Coachella Festival performance. Leaked clips from her time as a teenage trainee showed the group covering U.S. rap songs with uncensored explicit language, including the n-word. While some fans demanded an apology, the band’s record label forbade the members from issuing a statement at the time, according to the BBC.
In a scene filmed by director Sue Kim, Lisa describes being 15 or 16 when the videos were shot. She told Kim she did not know the word was sensitive because she is from Thailand and English is not her first language. Lisa stated she had only heard the term in rap music and was unaware of its offensive history, adding, “Now I would never ever do that because, now, I’ve got education. Now I know better. But I did wrong.”
Did you know? Lisa later issued a public apology during an interview with Variety, though the BBC reports that some people remained unconvinced by the statement.
Documentary details Lisa’s year of independence
Always Lalisa chronicles a pivotal period in 2024 when Lisa stepped away from Blackpink for a year of independence. According to a synopsis provided by Sony Music Vision, the film explores her efforts to launch a solo career, pursue acting, and build a brand while managing the pressure of life in the spotlight.
The film highlights Lisa’s early journey, including her move from Thailand to South Korea alone at age 14. In a Reuters interview following the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, Lisa described the challenge of living alone at a young age and credited her mother and stepfather as her “guardian angels” and biggest supporters.
Lisa expands into acting and Las Vegas residency
Sony Music Vision announced the film will have a limited engagement in IMAX and cinemas starting October 12 before streaming exclusively on YouTube Premium later this year. The documentary was selected as part of the Gala Presentations lineup for the 51st Toronto International Film Festival, which ran from September 10-20.
Beyond the film, Lisa is expanding into acting. She is set to executive produce and star in two Netflix productions: an action movie titled TYGO and a romantic comedy inspired by Notting Hill. She also has a four-night Las Vegas residency, VIVA LA LISA, scheduled for November 13-14 and November 27-28 at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Lisa’s transition to acting and solo work
Pro tip: Tickets for Always Lalisa are available for purchase via the official film website.
Common questions about Always Lalisa
When and where can I watch the documentary?
The film opens in IMAX and cinemas worldwide on October 12 and will later stream on YouTube Premium.
Where did the film premiere?
It had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
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