Boy Abunda, Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings. Image: screengrab from YouTube/GMA Network; Instagram/@mariesteller
Boy Abunda gave his two cents on the recent controversy involving Maris Racal and her love-team partner Anthony Jennings, lamenting how the actress was ridiculed over her exposed intimate messages.
The veteran TV host spoke about this in an episode of his show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” aired on Friday, Dec. 6.
Article continues after this advertisementAbunda’s sentiment came hours after Racal addressed the issue in a 14-minute-long video, where she spoke about the screenshots of her conversation with Jennings that was revealed to the public by his non-showbiz ex-girlfriend, Jamela Villanueva.
FEATURED STORIES ENTERTAINMENT Boy Abunda ponders on hate vs Maris Racal, points out 'hole' in her story ENTERTAINMENT Anthony Jennings says sorry to Maris Racal, Jamela Villanueva after scandal ENTERTAINMENT Puerto Rico wins Miss Intercontinental 2024; PH sustains streakRacal admitted her “mistake,” although she stressed that Jennings had told her he was single.
“Ang aking reaksyon ay bakit sobra ang galit natin kay Maris?” Abunda chimed in. “Because we’re not ready? Because there is no place in Philippine society for women who are aggressive? For women who make the first move? For women, for example, who say, ‘My pangangailangan ako’? For women na, halimbawa, nagpakita ng kaniyang gusto—I mean, women who flirt ay kaagad malandi?”
Article continues after this advertisementAbunda noted how the reaction of some would be different if those intimate exchanges were initiated by a man.
Article continues after this advertisement“I think we also have to assess the way we react to things. Dahil nasaan ang pagkakapantay-pantay ng mga babae at lalaki?” he added. “And remember, itong mga conversations na ito were meant to be private.”
Article continues after this advertisementThe TV host then pointed out that while Racal’s statement was “heartfelt,” there seems to be inconsistencies in it.
“May isang butas lang do’n sa statement. Nung sinabi mong wala kang kaalam-alam,” Abunda said, apparently referring to the actress’ remark in which she said she did not know that Jennings and Villanueva were still together.
Article continues after this advertisementAbunda further noted that a part of the leaked conversation of the actors show Racal asking Jennings to delete their messages, supposedly in an effort to hide them.
“To say that you didn’t have any knowledge that they were still together, medyo kine-kwestyon ko as an audience; as a commentator,” the TV host said, although he underscored that he admired Racal’s “bravery.”
Cutting ties
Meanwhile, a makeup brand previously endorsed by Racal announced that it has ended its partnership with the actress after her recent controversy.
It underscored that “moving in a different direction is necessary to remain consistent with the principles that guide [the] brand.”
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Eagle-eyed netizens also noticed that a coffee brand seems to have removed its social media posts that featured Racal and Jennings. The brand, however, has yet to comment on the matter.
After Racalgvg777, Jennings also spoke up to apologize to the actress and Villanueva for causing them pain. No further explanation on the matter was immediately shared by the actor.
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