10 days after the Bench The Naked Truth that happened in SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, the said fashion show was bombarded with criticism pertaining that the segment of Coco Martin “The Animal Within Me” offends the women. The segment showed that Coco walk on the stage with a woman on a leash. Bench immediately gave their statement and public apology on the said concern. This was followed by Coco giving his statement that he sorry for the said incident that offended the women. And with his legal counsel, Coco officially releases statement which was given by his lawyer.
Here’s the official statement given by Attorney Lorna Kapunan to the press during their brief press conference in a restaurant located in Quezon City:
“Mr. Coco Martin (“Mr. Martin”) was one of the models in the Naked Truth Fashion Show sponsored by Bench on September 20, 2014. The show was initially slated for September 19, 2014 but due to a storm, the event was rescheduled the next day. During the segment entitled “The Animal Within Me”, Mr. Martin appeared on stage and walked with a woman on a leash. Bench clarified that the woman was actually a member of a Canadian Circus Troupe who played the role of a cat while Mr. Martin portrayed the role of a Circus Master. This scene was found offensive particularly to women.
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 he unwittingly offended the public,
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 with Bench to model its apparels and this time same contract obliges him to appear in 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 the 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.
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 if 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.
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. Let it be clarified, how ever, that Mr. Martin did not have the slightest intention on his mind to insult woman by this single unfortunate act. Mr. Martin has high regard for women just as he respects and loves his mother, his grand mothers, and his three sisters.
Mr. Martin humbly ask for public’s understanding and assures the public that he will no longer allow himself to be obliged to participate similar insensitive portrayal.”
Meanwhile, last September 23 Bench issued an statement stating that they apologize on the scenes or segments that the public find in their Naked Truth fashion show offended. And the company shall continue to uphold the dignity of women as part of their commitment to everyone.
And last Sept. 28 the owner of Bench, Mr Ben Chan sends his apology via his official Instagram account (@bcbench). It was not their intention to offend anyone in the presentation of The Naked Truth. Nevertheless they are sending their apologies to those who were offended of the show. Aside from that they are sending their apology to Coco being dragged on the said issue regarding the ring master scene that offended most of the women.
The Naked Truth is part of Bench to showcase their denim and underwear producyts that happen every two months. And Coco became part of the fashion show several times as being one of Bench brand endorser.
