MANILA, Philippines–The producers of Pinoy Big Brother All In issued an apology on Wednesday, June 11 regarding the controversial “nude painting challenge” aired last June 4.

According to ABS-CBN, In a press statement aired on TV Patrol, the people behind the reality show said that they did not mean to violate any rights of the housemates, particularly the female participants.

“While the objective of the week-long task was to see how the housemates would react to a test of their convictions and values, and was not intended to disrespect the rights of any housemate. The producers wish to convey their sincerest apologies to those who were offended, and assure the public and the MTRCB that the program will continue to ensure the protection of women’s rights in general, and housemates’ rights in particular, while providing quality and yet gender- and audience-sensitive entertainment to its audiences worldwide,” the statement said.

The apology was issued after the producers and management met with The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Wednesday June 11 for a mandatory conference to give their explanation.

In the episode, housemate Jayme Jalandoni was issued the nude painting challenge and was also asked to pick three housemates to accompany her to do the task.

Jayme, a devout Christian initially said yes but backed out after hearing her father’s opinion, which she said she would respect.

The episode caught the attention of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). In a statement on their website, PCW said that while there is nothing wrong posing nude for art, “it should be a woman’s free choice to do so.”

A group of artists, Kabataang Artista para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (KARATULA) also expressed their dismay on the episode saying that “this event was not just for the housemates to win in the weekly task, nor was it intended for the painter’s advocacy, but Kuya’s exercise of authority over the contestant in the name of publicity and ratings.” (READ: Young artists slam PBB for ‘decadent influence’ on youth culture)

Senators Pia Cayetano and Nancy Binay have also issued separate statements saying that the show should be careful in depicting women in media. –Rappler.com