Bench apologizes to Coco Martin

Bench chairman Ben Chan apologized to Kapamilya actor Coco Martin, who became the target of criticism after walking the runway with a leashed female model. The act was condemned as inappropriate and offensive because it was deemed degrading to women.

The stance that earned people’s ire in the Bench fashion show/NPPA Images. The stance that earned people’s ire in the Bench fashion show/NPPA Images” 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 theater show, and only played the role given him. This is to apologise to Coco Martin for involving him in the controversial scene,” the owner of Bench said in a statement posted in the top apparel brand’s official social media account.

Bench’s assurance

He added, “More importantly, we also apologize for offending the sensitivities of some persons. We assure you that we shall always endeavor to uphold the dignity of people.”

Senator Pia Cayetano and former Gabriela representative Liza Maza earlier attacked the way women were portrayed in Coco’s “Naked Truth” stance.

“The derogatory portrayal of women is offensive and should not be tolerated. Such portrayals reinforce society’s sexist view of women, instead of contributing to the gender education of our people, especially of our youth,” Cayetano said.

‘Degrading, dehumanizing’

Maza posted Coco’s photos in her Facebook account and said, “Bench should be held accountable for this degrading and dehumanizing portrayal of women and should apologize.”

Bench already apologized for “all the offensive elements ” of the show, where most celebrities and models walked the runway wearing revealing clothes and underwear.

“We at Bench apologize to the public for all the offensive elements of the show, ‘The Naked Truth.’ We will take all these concerns seriously and will serve as a lesson learned when we plan our next show. We at Bench shall continue to uphold the dignity of women and our commitment will remain so.”