- Catriona Gray released her own statement regarding the controversy between her and Mariel de Leon.
- She posted the said statement on her Facebook account.
- Catriona encouraged the public to spread the love and stop the hate.
Binibining Pilipinas International 2017 Mariel de Leon went under hot water after giving a constructive criticism on Binibini 20 Catriona Gray. Catriona took to Facebook to calm her supporters down. She also asked them to stop bashing on Mariel.
The issue started when Binibining Pilipinas had an activity where previous winners would comment and judge on the candidates’ interview answers. In a summarized video, Catriona shared her answer on a question. She mentioned she connects with people more through music.
“My strength is that I’m an empathetic. I feel everything very strongly and I find that when I sing through music, it helps me connect to people.”
Mariel, as one of the Binibining Pilipinas titleholders, gave her opinion on Catriona’s diction and way of speech.
“I really love your confidence and the way you speak. But sometimes, it seems just a tiny bit scripted.”
Watch the video below:
Many netizens didn’t like Mariel’s statement which lead to her receiving negative and harsh comments. In March 12, Monday, Catriona took to her own Facebook page to express her insights on the said matter. Catriona also acknowledged that she loved the sympathy that the public had given her. However, she didn’t agree on the public’s basis on hating on Mariel.
Catriona also wrote that she had fun in Las Casas, Bataan. She also acknowledged that a lot of netizens had taken a comment the wrong way.
“Hey beautiful people! I know alot of you watched #RoadToTheCrown last night shot in the very beautiful Las Casas, Bataan 😍. My sisters and I had so much fun!!! However, I’ve also noticed that alot of you have taken a comment given to me during the show in a negative way.”
Catriona also revealed that their queens’ advise remain valuable to Binibinis. Although she didn’t name Mariel in any way, she clearly pointed it her way. Catriona, then, added she still has something to learn and improve especially from Binibini Queens.
“Firstly, any advice from our queens is valuable to us Binibinis and I took all of those given to me, in a very constructive way! 👑✨ I always have something to learn and improve on, that’s why one of my greatest passions is education!!”
Catriona also acknowledged that a person can be entitled to their own opinion. Some people may not agree to it but it doesn’t mean that they can hurt others.
“Secondly, everyone is entitled to their opinion and although at times you may not favour it, it doesn’t give a good reason to turn around and try to hurt others through bullying or bashing.”
Catriona, then, added reminders to her supporters. She also sustained that a debate is healthy however, bashing is not.
“Be passionate, but be mindful. Let’s cultivate an environment, not just in beauty pageants but in society in general, where we argue like we’re right but listen like we’re wrong. Debate is healthy, bashing is not.”
“Let’s spread love! Mahal ko kayo!! 🤗 Love, Catriona your Binibini 20 😻”
