Party planner apologizes after being called out by Dennis Trillo over insensitive party prop

Party Magic has apologized to Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado's family after using an old tabloid clipping, featuring a childhood photo of Mercado from a report on the abuse she suffered from her stepfather.

On Nov. 5, Trillo called out the party planner on Facebook, stating he was forced to go public after repeated private calls failed to reach them.

"Hindi ko lang mapigilang mag-react dito, tutal ayaw niyo sumagot sa tawag ko…sige dito tayo mag-usap," he wrote.

"Party Magic, bakit niyo naman napiling gamitin ito mismong kopya ng tabloid na ito? Sa theme ng children’s party pa ha? Paki paliwanag please," he continued, sharing a screenshot of the said party decor.

"Sa mga hindi nakaka alam, yung naka headline na batang binugbog ay yung asawa ko. Tama ba naman na yun pa ang ilagay niyo?" he lamented.

The following day, the party planner addressed the issue via Facebook story, saying that the newspaper clipping was "unintentionally included" in the decorations.

"We would like to sincerely apologize to Ms. Jennlyn Mercado, Mr. Dennis Trillo, and their family for the inclusion of a newspaper clipping containing a sensitive story in one of our recent events," it began.

It underscored that, despite "unintentionally" including it in the decorations, they acknowledged that such reports should not have been used as a celebratory backdrop.

"The clipping was unintentionally included among vintage newspaper materials used as decorative props. We recognize that regardless of the circumstances, such a painful and personal story should never have been used in a celebratory setting," it said. "We did not in any way intend to hurt anyone in the process."

"We take full responsibility for this oversight and deeply regret the hurt and distress it has caused," it said.

Party Magic went on to emphasize that there was no intention "to target, ridicule, or disrespect Ms. Mercado or her family," and that the inclusion was not a personal statement, nor does it refer to anyone's personal life.

"Party Magic has always been dedicated to creating meaningful celebrations for children and families. We unequivocally condemn all forms of child abuse, and we would never knowingly promote, glorify, or trivialize such suffering," it said.

It also assured that they are reviewing and strengthening internal protocols to ensure all creative materials are thoroughly screened with utmost care and sensitivity.

"We understand that an apology cannot undo the hurt this incident has caused. Nevertheless, we offer ours with genuine remorse, humility, and respect," it said.

"To Ms. Mercado, Mr. Trillo, and their family, we are deeply sorry," it concluded.

Trillo and Mercado have yet to respond to the statement.