Actress and celebrity mom Kris Bernal recently set the record straight after facing online criticism over her house helpers’ attire, following a TikTok video she shared last December. The video showed Kris, together with her husband Perry Choi and their daughter Hailee Lucca, treating their house helpers to a meal at an Italian restaurant.
While the post was meant to highlight a family moment, netizens quickly focused on the clothing of Kris’s helpers, whom she refers to as “angels.” Two of their angels joined them for the meal, with one wearing a scrub suit and the other in casual attire. This detail sparked accusations of discrimination in the comment section, with some netizens questioning why one appeared to be in uniform.
At the time, Kris addressed the issue directly by commenting on her own post to explain her side.
“The condo where we live strictly requires helpers to be in uniform. Every time we go out, I tell them they can change. But maybe because they don’t mind anymore, they don’t change,” she wrote.
Despite the explanation, the actress continued to receive negative comments, prompting her to speak up further. Responding to questions demanding that she allow her helpers to wear casual clothes, Kris released a TikTok video on January 30 where she calmly and candidly explained the situation in more detail.
“Alam niyo bago sila pumasok dito tinatatanong namin sila, ‘gusto mo ba ng uniform o ayaw mo?’ Karamihan sa halos lahat ng mga naging kasambahay namin, gusto nila may uniform so binibigyan namin sila ng uniform. Ngayon, choice nila ‘yan pag lalabas [kung mag-u-uniform sila]. Tinatanong din namin sila, ‘lalabas tayo, gusto mo bang magpalit?’”
She went on to share that she had repeatedly offered her helpers the option to change clothes, but that the decision to stay in uniform was theirs.
Kris also expressed confusion over the intense backlash she received, pointing out that uniforms for house helpers are not uncommon.
“Kung mam-bash naman kayo parang ako lang yung kaisa-isa sa mundo na may mga angels or helpers na naka-uniform. Ang dami-dami rin namang mga artista, mga tao na naka-uniform yung kasambahay pero bakit parang galit na galit kayo sa’kin? Ano bang ginawa ko? Nasaktan ko ba [sila]?”
To further clarify, the actress called on one of her helpers, Ate Tina, who was seen in the video. She then shared their perspective, explaining that wearing a uniform is something they prefer.
Kris then assured viewers that the choice was entirely up to her helpers.
Following her explanation, many netizens expressed support for Kris, applauding her calm approach and noting that wearing a uniform should not be an issue, especially since many professions require one.
Several Filipino domestic helpers abroad also shared their own experiences in the comments, with some posting selfies in their uniforms and expressing pride in their work. (Push Team)
