Stell Ajero did not hold back as he came to the defense of fellow SB19 member Justin De Dios after a netizen accused the latter of being “toxic.”
Although the original post on X has since been deleted, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread discussion among fans.
The netizen wrote: “Tama nga si Pablo. Wala sa mukha pero napaka toxic pala ni Justin. Gusto ko pa naman friendship nila ni Stell, pero di mo malalaman just by looking at it na napaka-toxic pala. Cancer nga. Literal na sumisira ng friendship.”
Stell responded strongly to the remark.
“Sino ka naman para magsabi ng ganyan?! Ikaw yung toxic sa totoo lang. Tumigil ka.”
He further urged the netizen to take down the post.
“Hindi ko kailangan ng suporta mo kung ganyan ka sa mga kagrupo ko. Delete mo ‘to.”
Following Stell’s response, fans of SB19—known as A’TIN—expressed support for the group, praising Stell for standing up for his fellow member.
The incident also comes amid ongoing conversations about toxic behavior and fandom culture online.
Previously, SB19 members have spoken about the importance of kindness within fandoms.
“Spread love na lang and appreciate na lang sa music, or kahit hindi mo ma-appreciate, wala na lang sanang masamang sasabihin. Ganun nalang,” said Felip Suson.
He added, “Kasi sobrang matalas ‘yung dila kasi pag nagbitaw ng salita. So nakakasakit talaga siya. And you know, I just believe na the world will be a better place to live in pag kindness ‘yung nangingibabaw sa lahat.”
Meanwhile, Josh Cullen acknowledged that while fans are generally supportive, emotions can sometimes escalate.
“Naniniwala naman po kami na yung A’TINs nasa tamang pag-iisip. But of course, hindi naman natin maiiwasan minsan maging emotional or minsan iba-iba po ‘yung tao eh. So, gusto lang po natin na syempre as much as possible kung meron silang mga (sasabihin) medyo harmless and baka pwedeng daanin sa mga mas healthy debate kaysa sa away talaga.”
Despite the controversy, SB19 continues to focus on their music and upcoming performances. The group—composed of Stell, Justin, Pablo Nase, Josh, and Felip—is set to headline their much-anticipated concert, Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale, at the SMDC Festival Grounds.
The event will serve as the grand finale of their ‘Simula at Wakas’ world tour.
