Fitness coach draws flak for viral workout video's caption: 'Bakla ako 'pag hindi ko nabuhat 'to!'
A Filipino fitness coach drew flak online after posting a TikTok video that has homophobic remarks.
In the video that has been reposted on X and other platforms, Edison Vargas can be seen lifting weights while a text flashes on the screen. “Dati nagpepre-workout pa ako para mabuhat ko 'yung last rep,” the text reads. “Ngayon, kailangan ko lang pala isipin… Bakla ako 'pag hindi ko nabuhat 'to!”
Why is it always the ugly ones who have all acidity 🥵 pic.twitter.com/TtroF3sKMF
— Milo🦷 (@toothXxxpert) April 22, 2024
Social media personality Bretman Rock caught wind of the original video and commented, “Lmfao, girl, at least put your elbows closer together,” as captured by GMA News.
“All that for such a lightweight sis,” Rock added.
Vargas reportedly turned off the comments of his post. As of writing time, however, his TikTok account @coachedison can no longer be found.
While a few users said they’re unaffected by Vargas’s post and didn’t find it offensive, the video repost saw several criticisms against him.
“Why always the gay card thing? What stupid masculinity mentality is that? Kahit bakla kaya magbuhat 'no,” one user said.
“People still use the word 'bakla?' My gad, it's 2024! We can tell your ego, kuya. It's such a same na you still think that way,” another user said.
Amid the criticisms, Vargas released another video defending himself. In the video that has also been reposted on X and other platforms, he said he consulted with other videos first before posting. He then showed excerpts of workout videos noting how “gay” it would be for failing to lift certain weights.
“'Di lang sila ang nag-post, madami pa, kasi ‘yun ‘yung trend sa ibang bansa or may few dito sa Pilipinas,” he said.
Vargas noted how he saw no criticisms in the comments section of others’ posts. “Ngayon, ako ‘yung nag-post, same content pero homophobic daw ako,” he added.
He then addressed members of the LGBTQ+ community, saying he had no intention to hurt or offend them.
“Nakita ko din na wala namang masama na i-post siya,” he said, adding he also has clients who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Tingin ko sa mga clients ko na ‘yun, strong people kasi despite sa mga humuhusga sa pagkatao nila,” Vargas said, “they live their life as normal.”
He ended the video by thanking commenters for raising awareness of the issue.
His explanation video still drew flak on social media.
“Bottomline: He still doesn’t understand how problematic his previous video was,” one user said.
“If others did it, doesn’t mean you should do also.. 'yun lang,” another user tweeted.