After BTS sent shockwaves through the music industry with their withdrawal from the 69th Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy’s CEO has responded. On Wednesday, shortly after the K-pop removed themselves from consideration in apparent protest over the newly added Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he was “saddened” but, “I understand and respect the decision. “The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. It’s never to divide, but to expand who is recognized by our 15,000 Grammy voters.” Watch on Deadline“The Grammy organization is here to serve music and all the people who make it,” Mason continued.