Xyriel Manabat shares why she’s not afraid to call out bashers: 'Hindi nila kami pagmamay-ari'
Xyriel Manabat revealed why she is not afraid to speak her mind especially when she receives offensive, lewd comments.
After making her showbiz comeback, fans can’t help but notice how the former child star has grown and transformed since the last time she was seen on TV. Most social media users point out how “obscene” she looks even in simple selfies she shares on social media.
In her one-on-one interview with showbiz reporter Gretchen Fullido on digital show On Cue, the Senior High star opened up about how she deals with body shamers.
"'Pag sinuot ko 'yung sinuot ng isang kaedad ko, 'pag sa kanya fashionista, 'pag sa kanya, 'Wow, elegant,' Pero 'pag sa akin 'Hala ano'ng nangyari sa batang 'yan? Hala ba't ganyan na siya manamit?'" she lamented, stressing the double standards she always gets just because of her body type.
"Exact same brand, color, fit pero dahil lang iba 'yung pagkalapat sa katawan ko, bigla na lang kasalanan ko na, bakit 'yun 'yung pinili kong suotin when I just want to be confident with my own skin," she added.
Xyriel added that dealing with bashers, or “close-minded people” is not an easy thing, but she makes sure to prioritize her peace of mind over making apologies, especially since she doesn’t “owe them anything.”
“I owe myself the clarity and the peace of mind that I deserve. So if pwede ko namang i-voice out, if pwede ko namang ipagtanggol 'yung sarili ko, why not? Why be silenced if I'm fighting for the right thing," she said.
The 20-year-old actress went on that she is not afraid to slam bashers especially since she knows she’s in the right, and that she does it with “polite words.”
Celebrities are subject to public scrutiny, but for Xyriel, keeping silent would only normalize offensive comments.
"Hindi ako 'yung mag-aadjust just because they're there kasi magiging rampant lalo 'yung ganung mindset if hindi natin sila iko-call out. Lalo siyang mano-normalize, lalo lang nilang mafi-feel na 'E, dati pa naman may ganyan e' kasi wala pong nagbo-voice out, wala pong nagko-call out,” the Dirty Linen star said, noting the importance of using their platform in voicing out.
"Just because we're public figures doesn't mean we're public property. Hindi nila kami pagmamay-ari,” she stressed.
"I hate being silenced especially when I have nothing wrong, or if I don’t have bad intention; Gusto ko po talaga na hangga't tama ako, hindi ako magpapa-silence," she added.
The actress has been vocal in advocating body positivity. In her interview in May 2023, she revealed she underwent therapy and sought legal action after receiving lewd comments online.
Xyriel is known for her breakout role in the classic Filipino teleserye 100 Days to Heaven. She also starred in shows Agua Bendita, Momay, The Dirty Linen, and Senior High.