KSMBPI files complaint vs Toni Fowler for ‘obscene,’ ‘indecent’ music videos

MANILA, Philippines – The Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas, Incorporated (KSMBPI) filed a complaint against social media star Toni Fowler on Wednesday, September 27, for the alleged “obscenity” portrayed in her music videos. It was filed at the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office. 

KSMBPI’s complaint against Fowler covers three counts of violations of Article 201 under Republic Act No. 3815, which is concerned with the circulation of “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions, and indecent shows.” 

Each violation corresponds to all three of Fowler’s music videos: “MPL,” “FF,” and “MNM.” These music videos were found to have featured sexual organs, and song lyrics loaded with sexual themes, Tolentino said. In an ambush interview, Tolentino also noted that a minor was present in one of the music videos. 

Should Fowler be found guilty of the complaints filed by the KSMBPI, she could be asked to pay a fine of P6,000 up to P12,000 per music video. Fowler could also face 20 years of imprisonment. 

The “MPL” music video features fake male genitalia, along with Fowler and other individuals wearing revealing outfits. Meanwhile, “FF” sees a nude Fowler with her breasts censored. As for “MNM,” it shows fake female genitalia and breasts. All music videos contain sexual innuendos and gestures.

Notably, however, each music video comes with a prompt warning viewers that the content they are about to watch may be inappropriate, and asks them if they wish to proceed. 

KSMBPI chose to file the complaint as they said minors make up a large chunk of Fowler’s fanbase.

Fowler’s statement

On the evening of Friday, September 29, Fowler posted on all her social media accounts her official statement addressing the KSMBPI’s complaints against her. Fowler stated that she wanted to clear up the “lies” that she claims the KSMBPI has been spreading regarding her music videos.

“Una, hindi ako nagpakita ng [sex] organs kung hindi [sex] toys, linawin po ninyo iyan. Hindi ko kayo masisisi kung epekto na ng inyong katandaan ang pagkakaroon ng malabong mata, pero huwag po tayong magsisinungaling lalo na’t [kriminal] ang ikinakaso ninyo laban sa akin. Hindi [rin] ho magandang halimbawa sa mga bata ang pagsisinungaling,” Fowler wrote.

(First, I did not show sex organs [in the music videos] but rather, sex toys, please make that clear. I can’t blame you if this is an effect of your old age and your blurry eyesight, but don’t lie, especially since you are filing a criminal case against me. Lying also isn’t a good example to set to the youth).

Fowler then asserted ownership over her own body, her womanhood, and her actions, stating that she is free to do what she pleases, so long as she isn’t encroaching on anyone else’s rights in the process.

“Hindi ninyo lugar ang pagbawalan ang mga babaeng gaya ko —gaya ng pagbabawal ninyo sa aming kilos, pananamit, pati na rin sa pakikipag-usap. Hindi kayo ang karapat-dapat na manguna sa pagpuna lalo na sa mga usaping sexual naming kababaihan dahil unang-una, hindi ito bawal at hindi kayo babae.“

(It isn’t your place to forbid women like me from doing, wearing, and saying what we want. You have no right to do that especially when it comes to sexual conversations between women because, first and foremost, it isn’t illegal and you aren’t women yourselves.)

The social media star then suggested that the KSMBPI should have done research first before filing a complaint against her, as she says that her behind-the-scenes vlog for the “MPL” music video shoot clearly shows that the tequila on camera was replaced with juice.

Fowler also debunked the KSMBPI’s claim that a minor was asked to star in sexual scenes in the music videos. She followed this up by saying that sexual themes should not be censored for the youth as these are normal parts of humans’ bodies and natural experiences.

“Sa huli, gusto kong sabihin sa inyo na matapang kong haharapin ang mga kasong inihain ninyo laban sa akin dahil kahit na ano pa ang itawag ninyo sa akin, taas noo ko itong haharapin at sasabihing ako’y tahimik lang sa umpisa, pero marunong akong lumaban kahit di ninyo ako pilitin,” Fowler added, referencing the lyrics to “MPL.”

(Lastly, I want to say that I will bravely face all the complaints you have filed against me because despite whatever names you call me, I’ll face them with my head held high and I’ll say that I’ll only be quiet in the beginning, but I know how to fight back even if you don’t force me).

This comes just weeks after the KSMBPI sued It’s Showtime’s Vice Ganda and Ion Perez for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act. 

Aside from her music, Fowler is best known for her YouTube vlogs. Her channel currently has 7.9 million subscribers. – Rappler.com