Jim Lee turned down $75,000 Masked Singer offer over meme fears

The rejected offer

Jim Lee was offered $75,000 to appear on The Masked Singer, a celebrity singing competition in which contestants perform in costume while panelists attempt to identify them. Lee declined the appearance fee rather than take a spot on the program, according to Popverse.

Lee's stated reason

Lee explained that he turned down the appearance because he was worried he would become a meme. The decision reflects his concern about how an appearance on a reality show known for elaborate costumes and viral unmaskings could shape public perception of him.

The artist and the format

Jim Lee is a comic book artist. The Masked Singer is a television singing competition in which celebrity contestants perform in elaborate costumes while a panel of judges attempts to identify them before an on-stage reveal.