H&J management says KaladKaren Davila incident ‘an unfortunate mistake’

MANILA, Philippines – The management of a Makati bar that allegedly discriminated against comedian Jervi Li has spoken on the incident, saying it was “an unfortunate mistake.”

In the incident, Li, more popularly known as Kaladkaren Davila, was barred entry from H&J Sports Bar in Poblacion, Makati, along with her friends. Li caught the incident on video, which she uploaded on her social media accounts on August 26. The video showed the bouncer answering “bakla (gay)” when asked to specify those who were not allowed to enter.

According to Henry Strzalkowski, H&J’s manager and supervisor for marketing and promotions, the incident was a misunderstanding.

“That was a misunderstanding actually. I think it was a misrepresentation. I think what they were going after was a small number of ladyboys who were stealing money,” he told Rappler. “That was only temporary. That was just one night. Otherwise, we are an LGBT-friendly bar completely.”

Strzalkowski said that following the incident, he has contacted all of the bar’s gay regulars.

“I feel it was an unfortunate mistake but we’re taking what moves are necessary to fix the confusion it may have caused,” he said.

The incident has caused an uproar on social media, and is now the subject of a resolution filed by Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman, calling for a probe on the possible discrimination committed by the bar.

Strzalkowski refused to comment on the resolution. – Rappler.com