NewJeans’ Danielle Sparks Collab Rumors With Emotional Oranges Amid Legal Battle

Speculation is swirling around NewJeans’ Danielle following a now-deleted post from the LA-based R&B duo Emotional Oranges that hinted at a collaboration project. On May 19, Emotional Oranges shared a photo with Danielle on their official social media, accompanied by the caption, “Coming soon. Please wait a little longer.”

The caption also included an orange emoji and a bunny emoji — symbolic representations of Emotional Oranges and NewJeans, respectively — strongly suggesting an upcoming joint musical release. In the photo, Danielle is seen wearing denim jeans, a blue zip-up hoodie, and sunglasses while seated in a music studio. Behind her stands Azad, one half of Emotional Oranges, leaning on a chair and watching Danielle.

The post sent fans into an ecstatic frenzy, hopeful for Danielle’s solo endeavors. However, the enthusiasm was short-lived as the post was taken down within hours. This led to speculation about whether the collaboration was legally viable amid ongoing court proceedings involving NewJeans and their agency, ADOR.

Danielle’s potential solo activity is particularly intriguing given that NewJeans is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with its agency ADOR over exclusive contracts. The group declared their contract invalid last November, alleging a breakdown in trust. They also announced plans to promote independently under the name “NJZ.”

ADOR responded with an injunction to prevent the members from continuing entertainment activities and requested to retain its status as their official agency. In March, the court sided with ADOR, stating that the agency had fulfilled its contractual obligations and that prohibiting commercial activities was justified. NewJeans’ appeal against the decision was dismissed on April 16.

All members — Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein — have filed formal appeals, pledging to follow legal procedures. During the first trial session on May 3, the group reaffirmed their inability to work with ADOR moving forward. The next court hearing is scheduled for June 5.

In this context, the brief teaser of Danielle’s collaboration project served as a glimmer of hope for fans. Yet, it also raised questions about whether such independent efforts are legally allowable without routing through her management. Emotional Oranges likely sensed the legal gray area, prompting them to retract the post immediately.

NewJeans has been officially on hiatus since their performance at Hong Kong’s ComplexCon on March 23. The group indicated that event might be their last for some time, and the members’ parents also confirmed on social media that none of them intend to return to HYBE, ADOR’s parent company.

Danielle’s next musical step may be ready to go, but until the court speaks, her stage remains out of reach.