Kapamilya Broadway star Lea Salonga has clarified her controversial social media rant.
In a Tweet, Lea explained her post which had gone viral on Twitter and Facebook.
Hi, gang. It seems a recent Facebook post of mine has gotten quite a bit of attention and launched all sorts of… I don’t even know what word to use, so I thought to use this platform and this space to offer some clarification in the hope that I’m more clearly understood. 1/
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) June 22, 2020
According to the singer, although she stands by every word she wrote, she wanted to shed light on what she really meant on that post.
She said she did not and will never curse the Philippines which she dearly loves and honor.
“Regarding the post itself, yes I stand by every single word I wrote as an expression of my frustration with certain events currently taking place in our country. However, contrary to what some of you might believe, I never, NOT EVER, cursed the Philippines.”
Regarding the post itself, yes I stand by every single word I wrote as an expression of my frustration with certain events currently taking place in our country. However, contrary to what some of you might believe, I never, NOT EVER, cursed the Philippines. 2/
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) June 22, 2020
To serve her is one of my greatest honors. To be able to hold my head up high and say, “Yes, I am Filipino” representing the hundreds of millions of brethren both here at home and all over the world is a source of pride and pleasure. 3/
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) June 22, 2020
She then explained that the words are mere expressions of her outcry over her disappointments with what’s currently happening in the country.
“So, to further clarify, I didn’t say p- i- mo, or p- i- ka. If that was what I meant, I would’ve been explicit in my expression. My p- i- was aimed at no one in particular, and was used only as an outburst, a cry. My apologies if I hurt your feelings with my choice of words.”
So, to further clarify, I didn’t say p- i- mo, or p- i- ka. If that was what I meant, I would’ve been explicit in my expression. My p- i- was aimed at no one in particular, and was used only as an outburst, a cry. My apologies if I hurt your feelings with my choice of words. 4/
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) June 22, 2020
And for those who find her post offensive or crass, she said they are much free to cuss her out and she will totally understand.
“If after following this post you still decide to cuss me out, you’re well within your right to do so. I totally understand and get that you’re doing it as one tasked to protect our country from anyone that dares to desecrate it. Know though that that was not my intent.”
If after following this post you still decide to cuss me out, you’re well within your right to do so. I totally understand and get that you’re doing it as one tasked to protect our country from anyone that dares to desecrate it. Know though that that was not my intent. /5
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) June 22, 2020
In the end, she thanked her fans and followers who understand her and have her back.
“To my fans and friends that have my back, you have no idea the amount of appreciation I hold in my heart for your tireless efforts to explain my side of things. Thank you so much. You will always have my gratitude. Okay, that’s all for now. Please enjoy the rest of your day.”
To my fans and friends that have my back, you have no idea the amount of appreciation I hold in my heart for your tireless efforts to explain my side of things. Thank you so much. You will always have my gratitude.
Okay, that’s all for now. Please enjoy the rest of your day. 6/6
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) June 22, 2020
Lea was at the center of social media attention recently after her bold statement.
In a Facebook post, the Broadway singer didn’t mince words in venting out her frustrations and disappointment with the current situation in the country.
“Dear Pilipinas, p***** ina, ang hirap mong mahalin,” Lea wrote.
Aside from her post, Lea also made a comment saying criticisms of the government shouldn’t be taken as one’s “hatred” of the country and its leaders.
“Criticism of one’s government shouldn’t be considered an expression of hatred, but one of love and a desire to see the country succeed. I would like to think that in a functioning democracy, this should never be anyone’s fear, that their criticism would land them in jail, or worse, a corpse lying on a curb.”
Netizens praised her and supported her, making the phrase “I Stand With Lea Salonga” the top trending topic on Twitter Philippines.
