Kim Atienza sorry over monkeypox ‘male to male’ transmission remark: ‘I’m not homophobe’

Kim Atienza. Image: Instagram/@kuyakim_atienza

Kim Atienza apologized for his statement about monkeypox being “sexually transmitted, usually male to male,” after netizens called him out for “misinformation.”

The TV host’s statement regarding the disease came after one @Ethan31058194 asked him about the difference of chicken pox from monkeypox, as per Atienza’s Twitter page yesterday, July 30. The tweet was taken down by Atienza but screenshots of it have already been re-uploaded on social media.

“Chicken pox is less severe and the virus is airborne. Monkeypox is sexually transmitted, usually M to M,” Atienza responded.

Image: Twitter/@kuyakim_atienza

Atienza was then called out for supposedly “spreading disinformation,” to which he initially provided links of reports from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He also clarified that he did not say monkeypox is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but is “spread through sexual contact and other means.”

“Here is some info. No, I am not homophobe. I love my gay friends,” he said.

Here is some info, no I am not a homophobe. I love my gay friends. https://t.co/m1bZpi0Lzf

— kim atienza (@kuyakim_atienza) July 30, 2022

Here's more info. My tweet never said its an STD but it is spread through sexual contact and other means. https://t.co/RwfzKw2Dmq

— kim atienza (@kuyakim_atienza) July 30, 2022

https://t.co/ua3BmhRLuN https://t.co/rLbDue71hY

— kim atienza (@kuyakim_atienza) July 30, 2022

https://t.co/m1bZpi0Lzf https://t.co/ageavDxW23

— kim atienza (@kuyakim_atienza) July 30, 2022

Atienza then gave his apologies and removed his tweet as “it is causing hurt and misunderstanding among members of the gay community.”

“Some of the things I said were ambiguous and caused a lot of hurt especially to members of the LGBTQ community,” he stated. “You are correct Monkeypox is sexually transmitted but also by non sexual close contact. [It is] not an STD.”

“I am also wrong in saying it’s usually spread M to M. Monkeypox can be spread by any person regardless of gender. M to F, F to F,” he added.

…I am also wrong in saying it's usually spread M to M. Monkeypox can be spread by any person regardless of gender. M to F F to F.

— kim atienza (@kuyakim_atienza) July 30, 2022

Regardless, I erased my tweet because it is causing hurt and misunderstanding among members of the gay community. Peace to all. https://t.co/RnyabKKehr

— kim atienza (@kuyakim_atienza) July 30, 2022

Meanwhile, the country has recorded its first case of monkeypox last Friday, July 29, which is that of a 31-year-old Filipino national who arrived from abroad last July 19. According to the Department of Health, the patient has already recovered while its close contacts are under quarantine and are being monitored. JB

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