Star Magic is addressing the alleged controversies surrounding their artists head-on.
On Tuesday evening, April 23, 2024, the talent agency issued a statement denouncing "malicious online attacks" against two of its P-pop groups, BGYO and BINI. Both groups officially made their respective debuts in 2021 and are currently making their marks in the Philippine entertainment scene.
However, their attempts at success are being marred by certain controversies circulating online. "BGYO, BINI, and its respective members have been the subject of malicious online attacks designed to seriously hurt and damage their reputation," their statement read.
The talent agency noted the unlawful implications of such destructive posts online. "These continuous reckless posting and sharing of harmful, negative, and false accusations are violative of cyberbullying and anti-libel laws."
With this, BGYO and BINI's camp declared its strong pursuit to attain justice and to silence what they called "emboldened bashers who circulate unfounded rumors." Star Magic moves to take serious legal action against the accounts responsible for the aforementioned unlawful acts.
According to their statement, "BGYO and BINI's management will take legal action against these emboldened bashers who circulate unfounded rumors. Appropriate government agencies and private service providers have been tapped to gather evidence and hold these perpetrators accountable for their unlawful behavior. Filing of criminal cases will be set in motion."
Star Magic furthered by reminding netizens to create a safe online environment for everyone. They have also shared in their statement how existing issues have affected BGYO and BINI. "The past months have been a painful experience for BYO and BINI's members as they learn the value of personal accountability. Both groups have gained the courage to stand up against online bullies," they stated.
Lastly, they wrote, "Again, we remind the public that it is not only crucial to call out acts of bashing and cyberbullying, but to show kindness and accord everyone due respect, both online and in real life."
What happened to BGYO and BINI?
Over the weekend, a lot of drama went down over on the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). When clips of some BINI members reportedly attending another BGYO member's birthday party surfaced, several fans didn't hesitate to express their disapproval over BINI's displayed friendship with a BGYO member.
Some netizens claim that all BGYO members have allegedly committed acts of cheating and abuse. Hence, a number of Blooms (BINI's fandom name) have tried to call the attention of their faves—who by the way are very active on X—and asked them to disassociate themselves from the male P-pop group.
A fan strongly professed online, "If the management, or BINI themselves, won't stop interacting with BGYO, it'll undoubtedly be their downfall..."
Furthermore, fans of the eight-member girl group clamored to "protect" the members from BGYO and some aggressive fans. As of writing, no BINI nor BGYO member have released a statement regarding the allegations thrown at them.
Certain accounts on X have uploaded alleged "proof" of BGYO members' misdemeanors. But as of writing, these posts are already inaccessible. Following the hashtag, #DISBANDBGYO, netizens and ACEs (BGYO's fandom name) had a heated online clash. The tag also made it to the top trends in the Philippines, on Monday night, April 22.
Netizens react to Star Magic's statement on BGYO and BINI
Fans are not holding back in expressing their extreme dissent on how Star Magic has been handling the issue surrounding BGYO. Immediately after the release of their statement, netizens slammed the talent agency for issuing a somewhat lackluster resolution to controversies.
One netizen wrote, "This isn't the statement we need and wanted. Lapit naman kayo onti sa main issue," noting how Star Magic's statement did not really address the most pressing issue for them.
Others accused Star Magic of "protecting abusers." "It seems like you're going to do anything to protect abusers rather than address the issue," one netizen commented.
Another said, "Boy group niyo lang pinoprotektahan niyo eh." While someone bravely asked, "So are the allegations true or not?" pertaining to the associated cheating ang abuse rumors to BGYO members.
At present, BINI members are actively preparing for their three-day sold-out concerts on June 28, 29, and 30, 2024 at the New Frontier Theater. The girl group began their steady growth into the nationwide P-pop scene with their hit song, "Pantropiko."
Meanwhile, BGYO just had their comeback last February with, "Patintero."
Here's Star Magic's full statement:
"BGYO, BINI and its respective members have been the subject of malicious online attacks designed to seriously hurt and damage their reputation. These continuous reckless posting and sharing of harmful, negative, and false accusations are violative of cyberbullying and anti-libel laws.
With the prevalence of social media and digital platforms where content shared become permanent for public's consumption, we ask the netizens to be responsible in posting and spreading hurtful content. It is everyone's duty to create a safe online environment, rather than be the first to commit criminal acts. The past months have been a painful experience for BGYO and BINI's members as they learn the value of personal accountability. Both groups
have gained the courage to stand-up against online bullies."
"BGYO and BINI's management will take legal action against these emboldened bashers who circulate unfounded rumors. Appropriate government agencies and private service providers have been tapped to gather evidence and hold these perpetrators accountable for their unlawful behavior. Filing of criminal cases will be set in motion.
Again, we remind the public that it is not only crucial to call out acts of bashing and cyberbullying, but to show kindness and accord everyone due respect, both online and in real life."
Atty. Joji Alonso
Legal Counsel for BGYO and BINI
