PBB apologizes over nude painting challenge

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MANILA — After the show’s producers were summoned by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to explain their June 4 episode, ABS-CBN’s reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) apologized for its nude painting challenge.

During the challenge Big Brother dared PBB All In contestant, Jayme Jalandoni to pose nude for a painting-for-charity.

 “While the objective of the week-long task was to see how the housemates would react to a test of their convictions and values, and was not intended to disrespect the rights of any housemate, the producers wish to convey their sincerest apologies to those who were offended, and assure the public and the MTRCB that the program will continue to ensure the protection of women’s rights in general, and housemates’ rights in particular, while providing quality and yet gender and audience-sensitive entertainment to its audiences worldwide,” reads the statement aired Wednesday, on TV Patrol.

PBB host Toni Gonzaga earlier defended the program saying that  the show knows its limitations.

“Alam naman ni Kuya yun e, alam naman ng PBB ang limitations niya,” she said in a report for the Philippine Star. 

Two female senators, however, criticized the challenge expressing concerns on coercion and blackmailing the contestants in doing something against their will.

Senator Nancy Binay said the challenge is an “irresponsible and insensitive act bordering on blackmail.”

“This is an assault to the dignity of the women housemates. Asking a woman to consider posing nude in such a situation – where her acceptance to perform the challenge is made in exchange for points or benefits for herself or her housemates – is tantamount to coercion,” senator Pia Cayetano said in a statement published by Philippine Star.

“In their desire to challenge and teach the contestants life lessons, they should be conscious of the rights of the housemates and know the limits when assigning tasks that could end up degrading women and trampling on their dignity. In this case, they crossed the line.” she added.

With reports from Chuck Smith