A FUMING Dennis Trillo called out an event styling business for using a newspaper featuring a headline about his wife, actress Jennylyn Mercado, from when she suffered abuse as a child as part of its party decorations.
The party supplier put up what appeared to be a sari-sari store-themed setup that included posters and newspapers, as seen in the screenshot shared by the actor on his Facebook page on Thursday, Nov. 5.
One of the newspapers featured a headline accompanied by a photo of a young Mercado with bruises around her eyes after suffering physical abuse at the hands of her stepfather.
“Hindi ko lang mapigilang mag react dito, tutal ayaw niyo sumagot sa tawag ko…sige dito tayo mag-usap. Party Magic, bakit niyo naman napiling gamitin ito mismong kopya ng tabloid na ito? Sa theme ng children’s party pa ha? Paki paliwanag please,” Trillo said in the caption.
“Sa mga hindi nakaka alam, yung naka headline na batang binugbog ay yung asawa ko. Tama ba naman na yun pa ang ilagay niyo?” he continued.
Trillo noted that he had repeatedly tried to contact the supplier but that they received no response.
“Ilang beses na namin sila minessage, dinelete yung post… pero wala kahit anong reply. Very good,” he said in the comments section.
The party supplier then issued a statement on the matter via its Facebook stories on Thursday, extending its apologies to Trillo, Mercado and their family.
“We would like to sincerely apologize to Ms. Jennylyn Mercado, Mr. Dennis Trillo, and their family for the inclusion of a newspaper clipping containing a sensitive story in one of our recent events,” the statement reads.
“The clipping was unintentionally included among vintage newspaper materials used as decorative props. We recognize that regardless of the circumstances, such a painful and personal story should never have been used in a celebratory setting. We did not in any way intend to hurt anyone in the process,” it continues. “We take full responsibility for this oversight and deeply regret the hurt and distress it has caused.”
The management of the event styling business also clarified that it had no intention of ridiculing or disrespecting Mercado.
“Party Magic has always been dedicated to creating meaningful celebrations for children and families. We unequivocally condemn all forms of child abuse, and we would never knowingly promote, glorify, or trivialize such suffering,” the supplier stated. “We are reviewing and strengthening our internal processes to ensure that all creative materials are screened with greater care and sensitivity.”
“We understand that an apology cannot undo the hurt this incident has caused. Nevertheless, we offer ours with genuine remorse, humility, and respect,” the supplier added. (Anne Pasajol © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
