Update as of January 20, 2020: James Reid and Nadine Lustre have released a joint statement on Tonight With Boy Abunda confirming their breakup.
DZMM Radio Host Jobert Sucaldito has apologized for his insensitive remark about actress Nadine Lustre when he criticized her for her post calling out veteran entertainment writer Ricky Lo for attributing her rumored breakup with James Reid to her mental health.
Sucaldito made a suicide-related comment to Nadine during his late-night Monday program “Showbuzz,” in which he lamented Nadine’s “disrespect” to Ricky Lo with her choice of words and even judged her recent Instagram photos and captions.
“You are wrong here. Unang-una, gusto namin ipaalala sa inyo lahat na mga fans ng JaDine, hindi kami ang may pakulo ng lahat ng ito. Wala kaming alam sa mga buhay ng mga idol ‘nyo. Sila ang gawa-gawa ng kuwento na ang mali namin pinatulan namin kaya medyo lumaki at pinag-uusapan,” he said.
(You are wrong here. First of all, we want to remind all the fans of JaDine that we didn’t start this. We have no clue what’s going on in the lives of your idols. They are the ones making these stories and it’s our fault that we gave it attention, which is why the issue ballooned and became the talk of the town.)
He continued: “‘Di ba iyon naman ang gusto nila? Kuno-kuno na may mga labas ng puwet, naka T-back pa doon sa building, tapos may mga nakalagay na caption na parang gustong tumalon sa building. Sana tumalon na lang kung ganun din naman pala.”
(Isn’t that what they want? They show off their butts, wear T-backs, and put a caption about wanting to jump from a building. She should have jumped if that’s the case.)
His comment angered many fans and celebrities who then took to social media to call him out for making light of someone’s mental health. “#SuicideIsNotAJokeJobert” quickly trended on Twitter as a result.
(ALSO READ: This Recent Photo with Friends is Proof that Nadine Lustre and James Reid Have Not Broken Up)
Sucaldito has since apologized for his statement.
“I would like to apologize to Ms. Nadine Lustre and to those who got bothered by that sa aspetong ito (in this aspect). I am also apologizing to my radio network DZMM for putting them in discomfort because of this,” he said on DZMM.
The head of ABS CBN News and Current Affairs, Ging Reyes, also tweeted that they are currently looking into the statements made by Sucaldito.
Nadine has long been an advocate of mental health awareness and has opened up about her personal struggles, including a period of depression.
If you are in need of help, here are hotlines you can call:
- Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) – 804-HOPE (4673), 0917 558 HOPE (4673) or 2919 (toll-free for GLOBE and TM subscribers)
- Manila Lifeline Centre (MLC) – 8969191 or 0917 854 9191.
- In Touch Community Services Crisis Lines – For relationship problems, addiction, abuse, other emotional problems. 893 7603, 0917 8001123, 0922 8938944. Email at crisisline@i-manila.com.ph.
- Living Free Foundation – For addiction, individual and marital counseling. 0917 322 7087. Email at livingfreefoundation@gmail.com.
- Dial-a-Friend – 5251743 or 5251881.
- National Center for Mental Health – 0917 899 8727
You can also check out this list we’ve compiled of mental health resources, from support groups to online counseling, which you can access:
READ: Need some help? Here’s our directory for mental health hotlines, support groups, and more
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