Georgina Wilson clarifies tweet

MANILA, Philippines – Social media was abuzz in the aftermath of the recently concluded midterm elections. Tempers rose and twitter was filled with both positive and negative feedback over the results.

Host and model Georgina Wilson’s tweet, however, quickly spread on social media:

The tweet made the rounds a little more than a week after former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada won the mayoralty of Manila against incumbent Alfredo Lim.

Jake Ejercito, Estrada’s son, who himself was active in Estrada’s campaign for Manila, replied also over Twitter. 

Ms. Wilson, social media might be a free world but I think it’s quite irresponsible to express such an (cont) tl.gd/n_1rkb95a

— Jake Ejercito (@unoemilio) May 17, 2013

The full text of his message follows below:

Ms. Wilson, social media might be a free world but I think it’s quite irresponsible to express such an opinion unless you are well-versed with the current situation of the city of Manila and how the present local administration has failed to handle it. Moreover, to call 325,288 Manileños, including the 9.4 million Filipinos who voted for him in 2010, “fucking idiots” is harsh and truly uncalled for. Don’t hate without knowing the facts RT “@ilovegeorgina: ugh i hate politics – but I only have one thing to say: Anyone that votes for Erap is a f***ing idiot”

Wilson sent Rappler the following statement to clarify the incident.

I would like to clarify the details of a tweet I posted regarding former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. The tweet was written 4 years ago in 2009 at a time when I was still studying at University in Australia. It is in no way connected to the recently concluded elections. The original post is still in my twitter timeline. I apologize to the family and any others who were hurt by my words. I fully understand the responsibilities that come with being part of this industry. I know my words were insensitive and hurtful but I feel it is not fair that it has been taken out of context.

-Rappler.com