Image: Instagram/@james
James Reid came head to head with a netizen as he was announcing his latest single “16B”.
The actor-singer’s Instagram post seemed innocuous enough as he posted a sample of the melody and song art. He clarified that the song wasn’t a personal experience but that of a close friend’s.
“16B is a place, a place where even the most fiery of souls can get lost in the pretty lights,” he explained.
He also credited his friends for co-producing the song and for creating the psychedelic art which complemented the single’s RnB-funk melody.
However, a netizen took arms against Reid’s social circle and accused them of using him.
An anonymous Instagram user using the handle @loxnarezpalamunin alleged that Reid’s friends were bums. Palamunin, the word used, indicates that a person is jobless and needs to be fed.
Image: Instagram/@loxnarezpalamunin
“Nabigyan mo na rin ng katuparan @james ang dream ng mga kaibigan mo like @loxprod na humihingi na ng work, oh ayan siya na ang director ng MV mo! Oha! Kaya dikit ng dikit,” the account said in reference to director Justin Valiente.
(You’ve fulfilled the dreams of your friends like [director] @loxprod who is asking for work; he can be the director of your music video! That’s why he keeps sticking around.)
The account also bashed the artist behind Reid’s song art, Henzon Lee. “F na f na ang cool ng art niya, jusko ang babaduy naman (He feels like his art is so cool, but oh Lord, they’re so tacky)!”
As for another friend, Narez La Fuego, the netizen said, “Anong work ang ibibigay mo @james? PA (What work will you give? Personal assistant)?”
Reid’s siblings Lauren and Tom weren’t spared either. The account hinted that Reid was supporting Tom and his current girlfriend.
“Oi bigyan mo naman ng work si @tomdareid especially may bago na namang palamunin yung jowa niya! Baka mas malakas pa yan lumamon kay Ashley,” the netizen goaded.
(Hey, give Tom work especially since he has another freeloader, his girlfriend! She might freeload even more than [ex-girlfriend] Ashley.)
The account also joked that Tom could direct a new music video with his current girlfriend who is studying at a film academy in Cebu.
As for sister Lauren, the Instagrammer called her a flop and body-shamed her: “Binigyan mo na ng break nun, naging cover girl sa lahat ng magazine, yun lang walang bumibili and ang laki na niyang babae ngayon. Kahit todo workout, puro walwal naman!”
(You gave her a break before, she became a cover girl in all the magazine but no one was buying and now she’s such a big woman. Even if she keeps working out, she keeps partying!)
In response, Reid only had kind words for his friends and family — and the basher. “You’re looking at it wrong. I’m lucky to be around such talented people and even more lucky to call them friends,” he reasoned.
Image: Instagram/@james
“Can you say you’ve helped your loved ones in a way that allows them to express themselves creatively and made something beautiful together?” the actor-singer asked.
“If you don’t like what you hear or see, then do better,” he urged. “If you want to get to me, speak of love and creation.”
“You gotta give love to get it girl,” Reid advised with a kiss emoji.
Reid is known to have a tight bond with friends and admitted on the talk show “Gandang Gabi Vice” that if his girlfriend didn’t get along with his friends, he would choose his friends.
Based on social media posts, it seems onscreen and offscreen girlfriend Nadine Lustre gets along with Reid’s friends and sister Lauren. Their group of friends has also joined them in music videos. JB
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