Ethan David, Shawn Castro apologize for viral video with BINI members
GAT member Ethan David and internet personality Shawn Castro have issued an apology for their controversial video with BINI members Jhoanna, Colet, and Stacey where they seemingly made sexual remarks involving a minor.
In a statement on his Instagram account, David acknowledged that he was "making certain crude motions as a joke towards another person, and laughing about it."
"I want to begin by saying that I take full responsibility for my actions and I sincerely apologize for the unnecessary gestures I made. I understand how offensive my actions appeared, and as a person who wants to show only the best of myself, I let everyone down," he said.
"Humihingi po ako ng kapatawaran sa mga nasaktan at nadisappoint sa akin. Nais ko pong ipahayag na malaki po ang respeto ko sa lahat ng tao lalong lalo na sa kababaihan, at anumang napakita kong kamalian sa kumalat na video ay hindi po sumasalamin sa mga pinahahalagaan ko bilang tao. Hinding hindi po ito mauulit," he continued.
He concluded his statement by thanking those who offered feedback and assuring them of his commitment to improvement.
"I promise to take the time to educate myself about my behavior and further reflect on my character, in order to learn from this incident and to become a more sensitive, respectful and mature person," David stressed.
Castro, on the other hand, addressed the issue through his Instagram stories, apologizing to everyone who "got offended, triggered, or hurt in the actions seen in the said video."
"We can assure you that no minor, or anyone, was hurt physically, mentally, sexually, or in any manner. That short video was taken out of context. We do not promote those actions in any matter," he explained.
"Inaamin po namin na mali kami in so many ways with that joke. Masyado po kaming naging komportable at masaya sa mga ginagawa/sinasabi namin. Hindi po magandang biro yun, especially sa kung pano siya nakita sa nasabing video," he added.
Castro also thanked those who pointed out their mistakes, emphasizing that they had learned from the experience.
"Natuto na po kami sa mga ito at hindi na po ito mauulit. Alam din po namin na hindi ito maliit na issue kaya we take accountability and responsibility for everything that was done," he ended.
In the video, the two men were seen mimicking a sexual act in front of Jhoanna on a sofa, while Stacey and Colet's voices are reportedly audible in the background.
Viewers pointed out that the suggestive gesture and the discussion involving a minor were concerning and insensitive.
BINI has since apologized to their fans as a group, writing, "We offer no excuse for our actions, reactions, and choice of words. We take full accountability. Nagkamali kami."
They asked the public to give them a "chance to reflect on and learn from our mistakes and continue to work on becoming better versions of ourselves."
BINI rose to fame after debuting in June 2021 through ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy. Their popular tracks include Salamin, Salamin, Karera, and Pantropiko, to name a few.
