Sparkle GMA Artist Center, the talent management arm of GMA Network, is under fire following a statement released on April 28, warning the public about fake screenshots misrepresenting their artists.
The statement, shared via X, comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition housemate Azriel Atira “AZ” Martinez Coloma, who has faced weeks of online harassment and slut-shaming following her breakup with ex-boyfriend Larkin Castor. However, fans have criticized the agency for its delayed response, accusing Sparkle of favoritism and neglecting AZ’s well-being.
The controversy intensified after an episode of PBB, where producers contacted AZ’s ex to send her a gift instead of her family, triggering visible anxiety for the housemate. This move sparked outrage among fans, who felt the show exploited AZ’s emotional distress for ratings. Screenshots allegedly involving Sparkle artist Larkin Castor further fueled the fire, with many claiming they incited the bashing against AZ. While Sparkle’s statement urged the public to beware of misinformation and fake news, fans on X were quick to call out the agency’s timing.
“Where was this energy when AZ and her family were being harassed weeks ago? Your favoritism REEKS,” wrote user @likeazey, echoing a sentiment shared across numerous replies.
The backlash also touched on Sparkle artist Sofia Pablo, whose reaction video to PBB’s recent eviction night—where Michael Sager and Emilio Daez were evicted—drew ire. Fans accused Pablo of insensitivity, claiming her comments indirectly referenced the AZ controversy, further stoking tensions. “Halatang may favoritism, sana you gave the same energy when AZ received a lot of hate,” commented @GennieE0510, while others urged AZ to switch to a different management like Star Magic, citing Sparkle’s apparent inability to support her adequately.
The criticism highlights deeper issues within talent management, with fans pointing to Sparkle’s silence when AZ was slut-shamed and their failure to follow her on Instagram until called out by supporters. “Grabe ang bilis nyo magrelease ng statement pero yung isa nyong artist na may anger issues na si @LarkinCastor di nyo man lang nire-reprimand,” wrote @nabitopia, reflecting the growing discontent.
Grabe ang bilis nyo magrelease ng statement pero yung isa nyong artist na may anger issues na si @LarkinCastor di nyo man lang nire-reprimand sa sobrang paninira kay AZ, your blatant favoritism is reeking so bad that i wanna throw up in your sorry ass faces
PBB TREAT AZ BETTER
— _zaworld* (@nabitopia) April 28, 2025
As calls for better treatment of AZ grow louder with hashtags like #PBBTreatAZBetter, Sparkle faces increasing pressure to address the systemic favoritism and transparency concerns raised by fans, lest they risk further damaging their reputation in the industry.
