Photo credit: Rabiya Mateo and IU Instagram

In a recent Instagram story, Rabiya Mateo addressed circulating rumors regarding complimentary tickets to IU's concert, clarifying that she and her boyfriend Jeric Gonzales had purchased their tickets like everyone else. Mateo emphasized their hard work to afford the tickets, expressing gratitude to ushers for assisting them in finding their seats.

Sharing a screenshot of the Facebook page responsible for spreading the false information, Mateo noted that the page's admin had issued an apology, acknowledging the inaccuracy of the claims. She reiterated that they had paid for their tickets and highlighted the admin's admission of posting based on hearsay.

The Facebook page in question released an official statement, expressing gratitude to Mateo and Gonzales for addressing the situation. The admin apologized for the damage caused and admitted to posting without fact-checking, emphasizing the intention was to raise awareness among fellow K-pop fans. The page pledged to improve its content and urged the public to refrain from sending hateful comments to the couple.