Zeinab Harake apologized following the viral spread of her comment on Vice Ganda's "Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas" video across social media platforms.
READ: Vice Ganda commended for "Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas" video
On the evening of Friday, May 10, 2024, netizens praised Vice Ganda for drawing attention to critical national issues through the popular social media challenge.
In addition to makeup transitions, Vice Ganda's rendition went further, highlighting crucial national issues.
These included Manila's transportation crisis, the jeepney modernization program, and public concerns about infrastructure projects impacting landmarks like Rizal Park and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
Vice Ganda also addressed the incident of the Philippine Navy ship being water cannoned by the Chinese coast guards, subtly commenting on the ongoing West Philippine Sea dispute.
Zeinab's comment, "Larooooooo hahaha love you [emoji]," sparked a backlash from netizens who criticized the 25-year-old influencer for what they perceive as her lack of social awareness.
"Laro" is an internet slang referring to not taking something seriously, akin to treating it as "playtime." It's also used to indicate turning something into a laughing matter or a meme.
ZEINAB COMMENT SPARKS BACKLASH
On Twitter, one netizen wrote, "not at zeinab commenting on vice ganda's entry 'laro' when in fact it is something we need to be serious about [emoji] i don't hate zeinab but can 'influencers' be AN INFLUENCER? kasi sayang platform nyo [emoji] kailangan ng mga pilipino gumising sa reyalidad bago ang eleksyon!!! [emoji]"
A Facebook user shared a screenshot of Zeinab's comment and wrote in the caption, "Zeinab Harake natagpuang out of touch sa realidad. HAHAHAHAHAHA"
ZEINAB APOLOGIZES, CLARIFIES EARLIER STATEMENT
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, Zeinab posted an apology on her Instagram Story, saying that her comment was made out of amazement.
She also said she had a conversation with Vice Ganda about the incident.
Her post, published as is: "Sa mga na offend ko sa comment ko kay Meme Vice, I am really sorry na amaze lang talaga akong sobra sa pagiging witty niya sa pag gawa ng content dahil napasok niya ang social issues in which we all should be aware of.
"I really do love her and I will always support her no matter what.
"Nagkausap na din kami ni Meme Vice about this.
"Let's all support Meme Vice and let's continue to use our platform for better purposes and to uplift one another and our country."
Vice Ganda's post has amassed millions of views across social media platforms.
READ: What makes Vice Ganda agree to an endorsement?
Within less than 24 hours of being posted, it garnered nearly 7 million views on TikTok. On Instagram, it has accumulated over 4.5 million views.
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