During a 2005 Saturday Night Live episode, System Of A Down's performance of "B.Y.O.B." included expletives, causing controversy and drawing criticism from NBC. Despite the network's efforts to censor the song, a spontaneous expletive slipped through, leading to a statement from NBC blaming the band and its management. While there were no viewer complaints, it was suggested that the band would not be invited back to SNL.
System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan claims to have lost friends and hundreds of thousands of fans due to his political beliefs, which he openly shares on Instagram. Dolmayan, a supporter of former US president Donald Trump, has questioned the legitimacy of Black Lives Matter, called Democrats "true bigots," and praised Trump as a friend to minorities. Despite the backlash, Dolmayan remains steadfast in his opinions and is willing to face the consequences.
Violinist Phillip Bowen wowed the judges and audience on America's Got Talent with his rendition of System Of A Down's 'Chop Suey', earning a unanimous vote to move on to the next round. Meanwhile, System Of A Down drummer John Dolmayan claimed in a recent interview that the band should have replaced vocalist Serj Tankian back in 2006, as Tankian hasn't wanted to be in the band for a long time.