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P-pop girl group Bini released a statement Thursday night addressing a leaked video involving three of its members and their friends that has sparked online backlash.
In a statement released Thursday night, the group says they "take full accountability" of what happened.
P-Pop girl group Bini PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/BINIPH.OFFICIAL
"We know that the past couple of days have been triggering and disappointing for all of you. Sincerely, we understand where all of those feelings are coming from. The video shows a private moment of us with friends. We definitely did not intend to hurt anyone in the process. We offer no excuse for our actions, reactions, and choice of words. We take full accountability," the statement read.
"Nagkamali kami. We deeply regret our mistake and sincerely apologize to our Blooms, friends, families, and the general public. We humbly ask for a chance to reflect on and learn from our mistakes and continue to work on becoming better versions of ourselves. Maraming salamat po sa inyong malasakit, suporta, at pang-unawa," the statement added.
In the video, Bini leader Jhoanna is seen sitting on a couch while watching their friends, P-Pop boy group GAT member Ethan David and dancer Shawn Castro, jokingly imitate a sexual act. Bini member Stacey, though not visible, can be heard saying, "Ganyan ginawa niya kay Ashley, sinasabunutan (That's what he did to Ashley, pulling her hair)," to which Colet adds, "At 13 years old."
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The nine-second clip quickly drew criticism online. Some fans expressed disappointment and announced they were cutting ties with the group, while other fans — known collectively as Blooms — urged understanding and room for personal growth. Many emphasized the importance of choosing friends wisely.
(From left) Shawn Castro, Jhoanna Robles, Ethan David, Stacey Sevilleja and Colet Vergara SCREENGRAB PHOTO FROM TIKTOK/ETHAN DAVID
Prior to Bini's statement, fan page Bloom Philippines said on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, "We are aware of the recent video circulating online involving the girls, and we deeply understand the concern expressed by Blooms. As idols who proudly advocate women's empowerment, it is crucial that their actions consistently reflect the values they represent."
"While we acknowledge everyone makes mistakes, accountability is essential — especially for those entrusted with influence and inspiration. We respectfully urge Bini and their management to openly address this issue, demonstrate responsibility, and reaffirm their commitment to empowering and uplifting women. Let's use this moment constructively, encouraging growth, awareness, and genuine reflection for all involved."
Meanwhile, David, member of the boy group GAT, which is managed by Viva Artist Agency, has also come forward with an official statement.
"Yesterday, a video was uploaded featuring myself with a group of people. In that video, I was shown making certain crude motions as a joke towards another person, and laughing about it. I want to begin by saying that I take full responsibility for my actions and I sincerely apologize for the unnecessary gestures I made. I understand how offensive my actions appeared, and as a person who wants to show only the best of myself, I let everyone down," David's statement read.
"Humihingi po ako ng kapatawaran sa mga nasaktan at nadisappoint sa akin. Nais ko pong ipahayag na malaki po ang respeto ko sa lahat ng tao along lalo na sa kababaihan, at anumang napakita kong kamalian sa kumalat na video ay hindi po sumasalamin sa mga pinahahalagaan ko bilang tao. Hinding hindi po ito mauulit (I sincerely ask for forgiveness from those I've hurt and disappointed. I want to express that I have great respect for all people, especially women, and any mistake I may have shown in the circulating video does not reflect the values I uphold as a person. This will never happen again)," he continued.
David also vowed to reflect on the incident saying, "Once again, I sincerely apologize for what happened. I also want to thank everyone for pointing out the ways I can improve. I promise to take the time to educate myself about my behavior and further reflect on my character, in order to learn from this incident and to become a more sensitive, respectful and mature person."
Castro, a friend who also appeared in the video, issued his own statement via Instagram Stories.
"Hello, everyone. First of all, we would like to apologize for the video circulating around. We apologize to everyone who got offended, triggered, or hurt in the actions seen in the said video. We can assure you that no minor, or anyone, was hurt physically, mentally, sexually, or in any manner. That short video was taken out of context. We do not promote those actions in any matter," Castro wrote in his Instagram story.
He admitted that the joke shown in the video was inappropriate.
"Inaamin po namin na mali kami in so many ways with that joke. Masyado po kaming naging komportable at masaya sa mga ginagawa/sinasabi namin. Hindi po magandang biro yun, especially sa kung pano siya nakita sa nasabing video. Maraming salamat sa pagsabi ng aming mga pagkakamali at aware na po kami sa lahat ng ito (We admit that we were wrong in so many ways with that joke. We got too comfortable and carried away with what we were doing and saying. It was not a good joke, especially considering how it appeared in the video. Thank you for pointing out our mistakes — we are now fully aware of all of them)," he continued.
He ended his message with a commitment to do better saying, "Natuto na po kami sa mga ito at hindi na po ito mauulit. Alam din po namin na hindi ito malt na issue kaya we take accountability and responsibility for everything that was done. Muli, salamat po at sorry again for everything (We've learned from this and it won't happen again. We also understand that this is not a minor issue, so we take full accountability and responsibility for everything that was done. Once again, thank you — and we're truly sorry for everything)."
Bini is an eight-member girl group that includes Aiah, Maloi, Mikha, Gwen, and Sheena among its members. They are best known for their hit songs "Patropiko," "Salamin, Salamin," "Karera," and "Lagi," among many others.
Meanwhile GAT is a new P-Pop group with five members David, Charles Law, Michael Keith, Hans Paronda and Derick Ong.
As of writing, the motive behind the leak remains unclear. The video first surfaced on X via user @BaliLeeg.
