In a recent social media uproar, singer-actor Janno Gibbs expressed his support to Broadway Diva Lea Salonga amid a viral video controversy.
While defending Salonga’s actions, Gibbs also emphasized the importance of conveying messages more respectfully to avoid embarrassing fans.
The viral incident occurred last Saturday, July 15, when a fan who identified as Christopher Retokelly Carpila claimed on Facebook that Salonga was rude to them after a performance for ‘Here Lies Love.’ Carpila uploaded a two-minute video capturing the encounter, along with the caption, “Gusto ko lang po i-post, bahala na po kayo humusga”.
In the video, Salonga can be seen telling the fans not to enter the dressing room as they were not on the guest list and for security purposes. She expressed her lack of recognition, stating, “Who are you? I’m so sorry. I don’t know you. Unless you’re on the guest list, we can’t have you back here.”
She further added, “If I allow this now, other people are gonna take advantage of this. Please don’t do this again.”
@theasianaffairs Broadway Legend Ms. Lea Salonga’s devoted fans unexpectedly reached her dressing room, her unwavering talent and genuine appreciation for her supporters shone through, even as the intrusion momentarily made her privacy feel unsecured. #LeaSalonga #BroadwayLegend #PrivacyMatters
In response to the incident, Gibbs took to his Instagram story on July 17 to share his thoughts. He acknowledged that Salonga was within her rights to enforce backstage rules, stating, “Nasa tama naman si Ms. Lea. Bawal talaga sa dressing room/backstage ang wala sa listahan.”
However, Gibbs also pointed out that Salonga could have conveyed her message more tactfully without causing embarrassment to the fan. He said, “Sana lang nasabi niya (nang) mas maayos. Yung hindi mapapahiya ang fans. Sa akin lang naman.”
Responding to the controversy, Salonga constructively shared her side on Twitter, clarifying her boundaries as a performer. She tweeted, “The money you pay for a theater/concert ticket does not mean all-access. You pay for that performer’s art, and that’s where it stops.”
The money you pay for a theater/concert ticket does not mean all-access. You pay for that performer’s art, and that’s where it stops. I gotta say, the folks at the stage door have been so incredibly kind, which only makes us (well, me) enthusiastic to say hello and spend the time…
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) July 17, 2023
On July 17, she made another tweet, reiterating her stance on boundaries: “Just a reminder… I have boundaries. Do not cross them. Thank you.”
Just a reminder… I have boundaries. Do not cross them. Thank you. https://t.co/LVziX55lDf
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) July 17, 2023
As of this writing, Salonga has not responded directly to Janno Gibbs’ comments regarding the incident.
