Coco Martin apologizes for 'Naked Truth' segment

Kapamilya actor Coco Martin finally broke his silence regarding criticisms directed at “The Naked Truth,” Bench’s recently-concluded fashion show.

In a press conference held on Tuesday, September 30, Coco's legal counsel Lorna Kapunan shared that the actor "did not have the slightest intention on his mind to insult women."

Appeal for understanding

“Mr. Martin sincerely expresses his apology and requests the public for understanding. Mr. Martin equally feels bad about the incident and saddened at the thought that be unwittingly offended the public," Kapunan read Coco’s statement.

She added that Coco only rehearsed once and was told about his role a day before the show, which was held on September 19 at the SM Mall of Asia.

"While offering no excuse and admits that a mistake has been made, Mr. Martin wants to set the record straight about the incident. Mr. Martin has an existing contract that obliges him to appear on fashion shows for Bench. Nevertheless, Mr. Martin, nor his manager or staff, was not involved in the conceptualization of the production of the Naked Truth Show nor the segment entitled "The Animal Within Me." He only appeared once for a rehearsal which was a day prior to the show and it was only then that the role, as a ring master, was given to him."

Language problem

A language barrier also prevented Coco, who is more confident in the Filipino tongue, from expressing his concern on his segment, where he appeared holding a female model on a leash.

"During the rehearsal most of the people on stage were foreigners and even the choreographer was a foreigner. Mr. Martin wanted to voice out his concern, particularly with the leash strapped on the neck of the lady model, but he failed to successfully communicate his thought because of the language barrier."

Kapunan added, "Mr. Martin kept mum on his opinion on the matter because it was impressed upon him that the whole show was already finalized and he felt insignificant as to cause a scene and demand an overhaul of the entire segment."

Lessons learned

The criticisms have taught Coco to be "more sensitive and mindful" of the roles given him.

"Mr. Martin feels extremely sorry for what transpired and admitted that this incident taught him a major lesson to be more sensitive and mindful of the repercussions of his portrayals."

Kapunan said that Coco, who is known to be close to his grandmother, did not intend to offend women.

"Let it be clarified, however, that Mr. Martin did not have the slightest intention on his mind to insult women by the single unfortunate act. Mr. Martin has high regard for women just as he respects and loves his mother, grandmother, and his three sisters."

According to Kapunan, Coco (who was not at the presscon)  vowed not to get involved again in sensitive portrayals.

Greatly saddened

She added that the issue has greatly saddened Coco, who is willing to personally meet women groups if his schedule permits.

It will be recalled that women’s groups like Gabriela and the Philippine Women Commission found Coco's segment disturbing and offensive to women.

Coco’s manager Biboy Arboleda shared that the actor feels down because of the issue.

“Malungkot siya, honestly. He’s down. Isa ito sa pinakamalaking dagok na nadaanan niya. Kahapon nag-usap kami, para siyang gulay na nanglulumo. Malungkot ang anak ko. Hindi niya siguro inaasahan na mangyayari ito ng ganito kalaki.”

Sparing his family

While Coco feels sad, he doesn’t want to share the burden with his family.

“Kinikwento niya na very close siya sa lola niya. Sabi niya, he’s acting as the head of the family... Although bothered siya, ayaw niyang dalhin yung problema niya sa head of the family. Doon mo malalaman if the person is really good, intuitively nafeel niya na bakit walang meeting, walang consultation sa mga artists. he kept on asking ‘Ano ba ang role ko?’ Normally, three practices raw iyan eh. They had no opportunity to do that.”

Bench chairman Ben Chan also apologized to Coco for "involving him in the controversial scene." He also clarified that Coco only portrayed a role given to him.

"It has never been the intent of Bench to offend anyone in presenting The Naked Truth Show. Coco Martin was asked to portray a character in a circus scene of our theatre show, and only played the role given him. This is to apologise to Coco Martin for involving him in the controversial scene,"  Chan said in a statement posted in Bench's official social media accounts.