Following the public apology issued by the girl group BINI, GAT member Ethan Castro and internet personality Shawn Castro have also broken their silence regarding the now-viral video they were involved in.
In an official statement released through Viva Artists Agency (VAA), Ethan took full responsibility for his actions in the controversial clip.
“Yesterday, a video was uploaded featuring myself with a group of people. In that video, I was shown making certain crude motions as a joke towards another person, and laughing about it,” Ethan admitted.
“I want to begin by saying that I take full responsibility for my actions and I sincerely apologize for the unnecessary gestures I made. I understand how offensive my actions appeared, and as a person who wants to show only the best of myself, I let everyone down,” he said.
Ethan also issued a direct apology to those hurt by his behavior, emphasizing that the video does not reflect his values.
“Humihingi po ako ng kapatawaran sa mga nasaktan at na-disappoint sa akin. Nais ko pong ipahayag na malaki po ang respeto ko sa lahat ng tao lalong lalo na sa kababaihan, at anumang napakita kong kamalian sa kumalat na video ay hindi po sumasalamin sa mga pinahahalagahan ko bilang tao. Hinding-hindi po ito mauulit,” he wrote.
He concluded his message by committing to personal growth and self-reflection: “Once again, I sincerely apologize for what happened. I also want to thank everyone for pointing out the ways I can improve. I promise to take the time to educate myself about my behavior and further reflect on my character, in order to learn from this incident and to become a more sensitive, respectful and mature person.”
Meanwhile, Shawn Castro also released his own statement via Instagram Stories, echoing the apology and clarifying the context of the video.
“First of all, we would like to apologize for the video circulating around. We apologize to everyone who got offended, triggered or hurt in the actions seen in the said video. We can assure you that no minor, or anyone, was hurt physically, mentally, sexually or in any manner. That short video was taken out of context. We do not promote those actions in any matter,” he said.
He further acknowledged the insensitivity of the joke: “Inaamin po namin na mali kami in so many ways with that joke. Masyado po kaming naging komportable at masaya sa mga ginagawa/sinasabi namin. Hindi po magandang biro ‘yun, especially sa kung pano siya nakita sa nasabing video.”
Shawn expressed gratitude for the feedback and pledged not to repeat the mistake.
“Maraming salamat sa pagsabi ng aming mga pagkakamali at aware na po kami sa lahat ng ito. Natuto na po kami sa mga ito at hindi na po ito maulit. Alam din po namin na hindi ito maliit na issue kaya we take accountability and responsibility for everything that was done. Muli, salamat po at sorry again for everything,” he concluded.
