Actress-comedienne Kakai Bautista has addressed the backlash she received after defending content creator and PBA courtside reporter Apple David's relationship with basketball player Chad Gammad, responding to netizens who labeled her an "enabler."
33-year-old Apple recently confirmed that she is in a relationship with 18-year-old Chad, sparking online discussions because of their 15-year age gap.
The issue gained traction after Kakai commented on a Facebook post featuring a clip from one of Apple's TikTok Live sessions. During the livestream, Apple dismissed remarks about her age, saying she was unbothered by being called "gurang" and even joked that she hoped those criticizing her would look as good as she does when they reach 33.
READ: Apple David unfazed by ‘gurang’ comments: ‘33 pero ganito ang itsura’
Reacting to the criticism surrounding the couple, Kakai questioned why so many people were upset over Apple's relationship, stressing that it was her personal life.
“Bat galit na galit kayo kung nagkagusto ang 18 years old sa kanya? BUHAY NYA YAN. Pinakealaman nya ba yung BUHAY nyo nung naglandi kayo?🤣”
She went on to argue that social media users seem more willing to praise people connected to corrupt politicians than allow others to be happy in their own relationships.
"kung ikakasama ng buhay nyo or pineperwisyo kayo, OR APEKTADO ang ekonomiya dahil sa relasyon nila dun kayo mag aklas. JUSKOWLORD BANSA. ng mga walang bahid ng kasalanan ang Pinas eh.🤣,” she added.
Her remarks drew mixed reactions online, with several netizens accusing Kakai of enabling grooming. Others expressed disappointment, saying they admired the actress but disagreed with her stance.
In a video uploaded on July 4, Kakai directly responded to the criticism. She first questioned why she was being called an enabler and insisted that those who believe something wrong had happened should file a formal complaint instead of attacking her online.
"Guys anong enabler pinagsasabi niyo? At tsaka halos lahat – I'm sorry ha mga galit 'yong LGBTQ na mga people. I love you guys. Mahal ko kayo pero ba't niyo sinasabing enabler ako? Hindi ba kayo masaya? Fifteen years age gap tini-take niyo as grooming. Kung sa tingin niyo nga na masama nga 'yong ginagawa, mag-file kayo ng complaint,” she stressed.
Along with her video, Kakai attached a screenshot proving that she had looked into the matter herself and found no legal complaint against the couple, adding that she was simply happy for them.
"I researched everywhere, wala naman nag-complain about their relationship. Kayo lang ang maingay. And whatever it is that they have, I'm happy for them,” she said.
"Grooming, nangyayari ba sa roblox? Ano? Nakakaloka kayo," she said laughing. "Hayaan niyo nang maging masaya 'yong tao. Kayo lang ang nag-iisip ng ganiyan eh. I-block n'yo na 'ko. Wag niyo na 'kong gustuhin. Wala akong pakialam. Awayin niyo 'ko kapag may nag-complain na, may formal complaint na, may kaso na. Nag-research ako wala namang nagkakaso."
According to Kakai, the backlash reflected more on the critics than on the couple, as she encouraged people to let others enjoy their lives.
"Kayo lang 'yong galit na galit. 'Di ko maintindihan. Oh my God. Masyado kayong malungkot sa buhay. Hayaan niyo na maging masaya 'yong mga tao. I think walang problema if they love each other and they like each other and they're happy. Walang problema do'n. Ayaw niyo ba maging happy?”
She further claimed that constantly judging others would only drive away good fortune and genuine love.
"Alam niyo lalayo sa inyo ang swerte pag ganiyan ang mga ugali ninyo. Lalayuan din kayo ng true love. Lalayuan kayo ng mga magkakagusto sa inyo. Not pretty 'yan. Hindi nakaka-pretty. Guys hindi nakaka-happy."
Reiterating her earlier point, Kakai said she would only criticize Apple herself if an official complaint or legal case was ever filed.
"Bumalik kayo sa akin kapag may nag-complain na, may kaso na. Ako mang-aaway kay Apple David. Balikan niyo 'ko ha? As of now, Diyos ko kung anu-ano na namang itinatawag n'yo sa akin. Wag kayo magsalita ha? Kasi marami kayong hindi alam."
She continued: "Manahimik kayo kapag lalo na 'yong mga nakiki-wifi lang at tsaka hindi insured ha? Kung wala pa kayong mga memorial plan, wala kayong insurance wag niyo kong inaaway-away ha? Mga bata kayo! Diyos ko! Hindi kayo nagpa-aral sa kapatid ko kaya tumahimik kayo."
Ending her message, Kakai once again maintained that she would only change her stance if Apple were to face legal action.
"Balikan niyo ko kapag kakasuhan na si Apple David, okay?"
The video continued to spark mixed reactions online. While some users defended Kakai's position, others argued that legality and morality are two different things.
“It’s not even about age gap eh, it’s the mere fact that the guy is only 18 yrs old.💁,” one netizen wrote, to which Kakai responded with: “So?”
"Just because it’s legal and not against the law, does not mean it’s morally acceptable," another wrote.
Prior to Kakai's remarks, Apple had also denied allegations that she groomed Chad, saying those making such claims were free to report the matter to authorities if they believed any wrongdoing had occurred.