TV host and broadcaster Kim Atienza is grieving for the loss of his youngest daughter, Emman. Amidst the condolences, there have also been a lot of commentaries, with one netizen criticizing Emman and blaming her parents for her passing. To this, Kuya Kim immediately responded, calling said netizen an “evangelical bully.”
READ: Kuya Kim Atienza's daughter Emman passes away
Emman, a content creator known for her wit and humor that resonated with Filipino fans, passed away before the weekend. It was on October 24 that the Atienza family publicly announced the news, sparking discussions about mental health awareness, compassion, and kindness, particularly in online spaces.
READ: Remembering Emman Atienza: her search for authenticity and making a connection
On Sunday, October 26, Kuya Kim shared a tender moment on TikTok, posting a clip of Emman singing. He captioned the video: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Thank you for the 19 years of my dearest little Emmansky, Lord.”
The post, however, drew criticism from a certain 'Joy’ who suggested that Emman made a choice for herself and that her death relates to parental shortcomings rather than divine will.
“This is a common issue – many people misinterpret Scripture to fit their own narratives. But let’s be clear: God did not take her life – she made that choice herself. If you are truly in Christ, the Holy Spirit will convict you to repent for the ways you may have fallen short as a parent.”
“This is an open rebuke. You were meant to be her primary protector, teacher, and guide. Tragically, she was left without the support she needed from the one who was supposed to be her anchor. Proverbs 22:6 says train up a child in the way he should go even when he is old he will not depart from it. It’s a message from God to all the parents failing to do so is a sin.”
Amid his mourning, Kuya Kim addressed the comment, describing the netizen as an example of an “evangelical bully”. He emphasized that his daughter struggled with clinical depression and adamantly rejected the unsolicited judgment.
"Joy, you are an evangelical bully,” he responded. “My emman did not make that choice as clearly as you make choices. My emman was clinically depressed.”
Netizens also backed Kuya Kim, defending him in the comments. Some even added that the unsolicited judgement should not hold space in this time of grief.
“Your comment is not helping. Have more compassion please,” one commenter noted.
“Scripture doesn't sugar coat. But we can also stop blaming mourning parents and invalidate how they feel because I know for sure that nobody wanted this,” another added.
The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of empathy and understanding around mental health, highlighting how vital it is to approach sensitive topics with care rather than blame.
Amidst their sorrow, the Atienza family called for more compassion, courage, and kindness in each and everyone's everyday life.
Meanwhile, Kuya Kim posted another video of Emman in an interview, sharing the story behind her neck tattoo – which shows a butterfly with a musical note.
Referencing his daughter's explanation, he quoted in the caption: "And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. – Friedrich Nietzsche”
"Just a little kindness,” he said.
The cause of Emman’s death has not been disclosed by the Atienza family.
She was 19 years old.
By Alyana Cabuhat De Guzman