Binibining Pilipinas has issued an apology after its recent Facebook post drew criticism from netizens.
On October 1, the pageant organization shared a post from the Miss International Facebook page, which featured Binibining Pilipinas International 2021, Hannah Arnold. In its re-post, it wrote in the caption, "Naturaaaaaal woman."
Drag queen Dee Dee Holliday couldn't help but react to Bb. Pilipinas' post, asking the organization to provide the reason behind the caption.
"Dear Binibining Pilipinas, what's good? Elaborate."
Netizens on Twitter also aired their reactions on Twitter, accusing Bb. Pilipinas of being "homophobic" and "throwing shade" at recently crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Bea Luigi Gomez, who is the first and only openly gay contestant in MUP history.
"This doesn't sit right with me," one netizen wrote. "Only two words but so much shade for an organization that's supposed to empower and represent ALL WOMEN. Binibining Pilipinas, what's good?"
"Nag-throw ba ng shade yung Binibining Pilipinas kay Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Gomez?" wrote another.
"Natural woman daw, sabi ng BBP," said another netizen. "A homophobic shade dahil openly gay ang nanalong MUPH? Ano na, Binibining Pilipinas?"
Here's what Bb. Pilipinas had to say in its apology:
"Binibining Pilipinas would like to apologize for the recent caption posted on our Facebook page. There was no intention to throw malice at any individual. But we understand the impression created by the said caption given its timing."
"The organization has always been about celebrating Filipinas of all backgrounds. We will never consciously do anything to minimize the experience and truth of anyone."
Bb. Pilipinas also confirmed that it had already taken down the said Facebook post, and appealed to netizens to not direct any hateful messages toward Bb. Pilipinas queens.
"BBP acknowledges the sentiments of the netizens. We took down the social media post, and we will ensure that future posts will be properly vetted and cleared by the organization. Moving forward, we commit to being more mindful online."
"Lastly, we request all netizens to please spare the BBP queens from negative comments and messages since they had nothing to do with the post. We wish for everyone's continuous support in their upcoming endeavors."
