MANILA, Philippines — The family of Anne Curtis and her talent management company, Viva Artists Agency, rebuked the controversial remarks of Quezon City 4th District Rep. Bong Suntay.
In a statement on Wednesday, the talent management company thanked fans, fellow artists and netizens who expressed support for Curtis and stressed that her name should not have been invoked in a controversy that did not involve her either as a private citizen or as a public personality.
“It was inappropriate to use her good name just to drive a point that does not involve her,” Viva said.
The agency said it “denounces the repulsive comments that mentioned Anne,” regardless of intent, purpose or motivation. It added that such remarks “have no place in any forum,” warning that they normalize misogyny and undermine decades of progress in women’s empowerment.
“It is unfortunate that even in this day and age, there is still a need for this reminder,” the statement read.
Viva also urged public officials “to be more respectful and cognizant of their actions.”
The controversy stemmed from remarks attributed to Suntay which drew backlash online after he allegedly narrated a personal “desire” and imagination involving the actress.
Curtis’ mother, Carmencita Ojales Curtis-Smith, issued a brief but pointed rebuke on Facebook directed at the lawmaker.
“Mr. Bong Suntay, you're a sick man, I reckon!! You're foul!!” she wrote.
She also reposted Jasmine Curtis-Smith's post, saying the controversy goes beyond a single celebrity.
“This moment is not about one female celebrity. It is about how ALL WOMEN, regardless of profession, continue to be reduced to bodies in spaces dominated by men in power,” Jasmine wrote.
“When a congressman publicly narrates his ‘desire’ and imagination about a woman he once saw (or dreams he saw, idk his statements keep changing), it reinforces a culture that treats women as consumable, as spectacle, as fantasy, as objects for commentary rather than as whole human beings with agency, intellect, and autonomy," she added.
Meanwhile, Curtis' younger brother, Thomas James Curtis-Smith, also reposted Jasmine’s statement and shared his own reaction to the controversy.
“Real talk, what do you mean a congressman is publicly flaunting his sick, perverted imagination?” he wrote.
The "It's Showtime" host herself has not issued a direct statement as of posting.
