Liza Soberano has become a hot topic lately after her latest ad, which she posted on her Instagram account, drew mixed reactions from fans and followers.
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On the ad, Liza is dressed as Spice Girls’ Mel B complete with an afro wig. Some netizens took offense by her depiction of the performer, who is a black woman, and accused her of using “blackface”—a term used to describe theatrical make-up worn by a nonblack performer playing a black role.
Initially, Liza defended herself in the comments and told followers that she was merely portraying a celebrity.
“This is not any form of blackface. It’s a costume just like how any other person would dress up if they were portraying a famous character. In this case its Mel B,” she said in reply.
However, she took to Twitter later that night to air out her apologies to those she offended.
“Before everything gets out of hand I would like to apologize for those affected by my comments about the whole “black face” issue. It wasn’t of my intention to mock anyone of any culture or ethnicity,” she said.
“I understand that this is a sensitive topic and that I should’ve kept my mouth shut.
For now on I will try to be more educated about matters like this to make sure I don’t make careless mistakes like this again in the future,” she added.
She then admitted that she is educating herself on the issue and thanked everyone for calling her attention on it.
(ALSO READ: Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil Just Shared The Most Kilig Messages For Each Other Online)
Read her full statement below:
Before everything gets out of hand I would like to apologize for those affected by my comments about the whole “black face” issue. It wasn’t of my intention to mock anyone of any culture or ethnicity.
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) September 16, 2019
I understand that this is a sensitive topic and that I should’ve kept my mouth shut. For now on I will try to be more educated about matters like this to make sure I don’t make careless mistakes like this again in the future.
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) September 16, 2019
Cultural appropriation is an issue that is deep rooted in society which I am still educating myself on. I’ve read your comments and tweets and I honestly do understand where this backlash has come from.
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) September 16, 2019
I am thankful to everyone educating me in the comments. ☺️
— Liza Soberano (@lizasoberano) September 16, 2019
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