In her first public statement since her departure from the K-pop group NewJeans, Danielle has addressed fans in a heartfelt livestream, revealing she "fought until the very end" to remain with the group. The 20-year-old singer's message comes after ADOR, the agency behind NewJeans, announced the termination of her exclusive contract in December 2025, citing breaches of contract.
During the emotional livestream, broadcast on YouTube and Instagram Live, Danielle spoke directly to NewJeans' fanbase, known as "Bunnies," expressing her deep connection to the group and its members. "I can say one thing very clearly. I fought until the very end to be together with the members," she stated. While acknowledging the change in circumstances, she emphasized that her feelings toward NewJeans remain unchanged. Danielle also urged fans to continue supporting the remaining members – Hanni, Haerin, Hyein, and Minji – as they move forward.
ADOR's decision to terminate Danielle's contract followed a protracted legal dispute. The agency claimed that Danielle had violated her exclusive contract by engaging in unauthorized activities, signing conflicting agreements, and causing reputational damage to ADOR and NewJeans. They further stated that Danielle failed to rectify these issues despite being given a deadline, leading to the termination of her contract. Following the termination, ADOR filed a lawsuit against Danielle, her family, and former CEO Min Hee-jin, seeking 43.1 billion won (approximately $31 million) in damages and penalties.
While Danielle refrained from discussing specific legal matters during the livestream, she assured fans that she would provide updates "when the time comes". She also thanked fans for their unwavering support, noting that she often reads their messages and finds comfort in them. Reflecting on her time with NewJeans, Danielle recalled cherished moments on stage, including the anticipation before performances, which she said continue to give her strength.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Danielle conveyed a message of hope and resilience. "This is not the end," she affirmed. "It's the beginning". She expressed her desire to share "truthful and beautiful" moments with fans in the future, whether through music or other avenues.
Danielle's livestream marks her first direct communication with fans since her departure from NewJeans and has garnered significant attention amidst the ongoing legal battle. While her legal representatives clarified that the broadcast was unrelated to any legal proceedings, it provided fans with a glimpse into Danielle's perspective on the situation. Her candid statement and expression of continued support for the group have resonated with fans, who have expressed their gratitude and admiration for her strength and sincerity.
