Coco Martin now a women’s rights fighter

TAMED AND SHAMED Coco Martin and his “catty” companion’s controversial turn on the ramp that sent critics pawing at the celebrity and the fashion show’s organizers. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Actor Coco Martin will take a new role as a women’s rights advocate.

He made the vow after women’s rights groups accepted his apology Monday for his act on “The Naked Truth” fashion show where he pulled a female model on a leash which netizens saw as an act commodifying women.

The actor personally apologized to representatives from Gabriela Women’s Party, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and United Nations Women.

He stressed that as an actor, he should be responsible for his actions.

“On my part, I am apologizing to all those who are concerned and all the women that I may have wronged. I am really sorry for what I have done,” Martin said.

Martin also promised that he will support the advocacy of Gabriela and PCW to fight violence against women.

The women’s groups accepted the actor’s apology.

Gabriela Representative Emerciana “Emmi” De Jesus said that Bench, the organizer of the fashion show, should have the “discernment and consciousness to know what is right and wrong.”

PCW Chair Emmeline Verzosa believed that the apology of the actor would convince moew men to support the women’s rights.

She also urged the actor to support the HeforShe initiative of the United Nations.

Bench and its founder, Ben Chan, have already issued public apologies regarding the controversy.

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