Pura Luka Vega defends Toni Fowler following arrest over controversial music video
Drag Den Philippines alum Pura Luka Vega questioned the country's definition of morality after vlogger-actress Toni Fowler was issued a warrant of arrest and faces cybercrime charges for her controversial music video for her song MPL last week.
While Fowler has already filed for bail to the Pasay Regional Trial Court amounting to P120,000, the queer artist, whose real name is Amadeus Fernando Pagente, is still seeking an answer on why people go after individuals "who are expressing themselves through their art."
"What is your definition of 'morality'? Why are we going after people who are expressing themselves through their art?" Vega wrote on X.
The drag queen continued, "I've said this before, and I will say it again, if you don't like what you are seeing/hearing, then simply move on and find the ones you like."
What is your definition of “morality”? Why are we going after people who are expressing themselves through their art? I’ve said this before and I will say it again, if you don’t like what you are seeing/hearing, then simply move on and find the ones you like. 🙄 https://t.co/NfDAtaW81O
— Pura Luka Vega 🙃 (@puralukavega) January 20, 2024
Last Friday, Jan. 19, the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 108 ordered a warrant of arrest to Fowler after the newly established Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas (KSMBP) filed a complaint against her for allegedly violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Fowler released her MPL music video in February last year, which immediately garnered controversy online because of its adult content and sexual lyrics.
After it became a hot topic online, Fowler later explained in a TikTok post that the video was restricted and not intended for a universal audience.
"Sa totoo lang guys… kaya restricted talaga 'yun na may age dapat dahil hindi po talaga 'yun para sa mga bata. Ngayon, kung pinapabayaan niyo ang mga anak niyo, please huwag niyo po sa akin isisi lahat. Restricted po 'yun para sa mga adults lang po. Ginawa ko po ang kantang 'yan at MV na iyan para sa mga makaka-relate lang," she said.
Fowler told her followers to refrain from watching the video if they feel it's not for them.
Meanwhile, Vega was also charged with the same case last year following their performance of a punk rock version of Ama Namin in a bar in early July. They posted the video on X with the caption: "Thank you for coming to church!"
Vega was arrested on Wednesday, Oct. 4 by the Manila Police District (MPD) as ordered by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 36. They were charged with immoral doctrine, obscene, publications and exhibition, and indecent shows after some religious groups, such as the Philippines for Jesus Movement, accused the drag queen of violating Article 201 Section 2 of the Revised Penal Code and Section 6 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
"Let me state and reiterate that Drag is NOT a crime. This experience has highlighted hypocrisy and is an education on hate. This is hate," Vega said during that time.
After three days, the drag queen was released from the Santa Cruz Police Station on bail amounting to P72,000.
Aside from the charges filed against them, Vega was also declared persona non grata by several local government units.
Last Dec. 2023, Vega was acquitted in one of the legal cases filed against them.
"DISMISSED. Very grateful that at least one of all the cases filed against was dismissed. Laban lang," Vega wrote on X alongside a picture of the court dismissal letter dated Nov. 13 in Tacloban City.