Courtside reporter and online personality Apple David addressed criticism surrounding her rumored relationship with Chad Gammad, the young guard of the Letran Knights.
The issue gained traction online after netizens noticed David spending time with a mystery man believed to resemble Gammad, who is reportedly 16 years younger than her. Rumors intensified after David seemingly soft-launched the relationship through a Facebook post on May 22.
While David has yet to directly confirm or deny the relationship, she openly addressed the criticisms during a TikTok Live session that later circulated on X (formerly Twitter).
“Hindi talaga nila nage-gets no? Sa buhay ba natin, lagi tayong nakakapili? Paano ‘yung mga dumating bigla na sitwasyon and you just can’t explain it? I cannot explain it,” David said.
“I guess kahit anong ingay niyo or [kahit] iparating niyo sa ibang universe ‘tong issue, kahit ano pang bashing ang abutin niyan, kayo lang ang nase-stress.”
The 34-year-old television personality also responded to critics questioning why she would allegedly date someone younger.
“Masama bang bigyan ng chance? Nag-click eh. Anong gagawin ko?” she said.
David pointed out that just because an 18-year-old may still be young does not mean they are incapable of entering relationships.
“So ‘yung mga 18 years old bawal mag-girlfriend and boyfriend kasi hindi pa fully developed ang frontal lobe? Or nagkataon lang kasi na mas matanda ako kaya issue. Ano bang point dito?” she added.
The courtside reporter also called out netizens for allegedly misusing serious terms against her.
“Don’t use words if you don’t know the meaning. Groomer? Predator? Pedophile? Do you guys even know the meaning?” David stressed.
She clarified that Gammad was already 18 years old when they allegedly met.
“Naiintindihan ko na bata siya but he’s not a minor. I’m not even a groomer, 18 na siya nung nakilala ko siya. Hindi ko naman siya pinalaki,” she explained.
David also appealed to the public to respect their personal decisions and happiness.
“Sobrang hirap bang rumespeto ng desisyon ng ibang tao? We’re happy. Supportive ang families namin. Ang pangit lang na we’re happy tas sinisira niyo ang happiness namin.”
Rumors about the two started after David was spotted attending games of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup not as a courtside reporter, but reportedly cheering from the stands during Letran Knights games.
Gammad, a Filipino-Canadian athlete entering his second year with Letran, has yet to publicly address the rumors and ongoing online criticism as of writing.
