After backlash over viral video, Gretchen Barretto and friends apologize

MANILA, Philippines – Gretchen Barretto issued an apology on Saturday, June 9 after drawing flack over a live Instagram video of her and friends laughing while reading a letter sender’s request.

The video, which went viral, saw Gretchen and her friends Mimi Que and Patty Pineda laughing while trying to read a letter sent by a certain Jo-Ann Mula, who was asking for help in behalf of her mother-in-law.

Over the past few weeks, Gretchen has been fulfilling some of her followers’ wishes, which she posts on her Instagram account.

Gretchen, Mimi and Patty went live on Instagram, saying they take full responsibility for their actions. Gretchen admitted that it was very rude and unladylike of her to be laughing at that time.

“Sorry po at minsan nakakalimutan ko po na 48 years old na ako (I’m sorry and sometimes I forget that I’m 48 years old) and I should be behaving my age.”

“But talagang sadyang immature pa rin po ako (But I guess I’m just very immature) and I am very sorry. I’d like to make a public apology, although Jo-Ann Mula already accepted our apology that very night,” she said.

She said that she has gotten in touch and with Jo Ann and that she apologized for her behavior. The actress also said that her daughter Dominique reminded her to behave like her age and grow up.

In the 30 minute live video, she also clarified that she was not laughing about the letter sender being sick, contrary to what was pointed out by some netizens on Facebook.

She also said that she decided not to talk to the media even if entertainment website Pep tried to get her statement. Gretchen said she was grateful for the support she got from her followers. She also thanked those who criticized her.

“I know that I have been a little… not a little, but very careless, very reckless with my ways. Like I said, I am flawed and I am willing to learn. I am willing to get hurt.”

“I am glad that we are going through this trial, this hurdle because it is only through this kind of situation we grow. And so we’re learning to grow and tears won’t hurt. It won’t kill us.”

Gretchen insisted she has no plans of stopping to do charitable work, even if the people around her are telling her to stop. She said her friends would take care of the logistics, while she would take care of the grants themselves. 

She ended her message by crowdsourcing how she can help others without having to post about it on social media afterwards. –  Rappler.com