Image: facebook/Ricky Lee (Official)
Netizens were enraged after a video from a recent book fair made rounds on social media, in which National Artist Ricky Lee was seen being pushed away by a security guard while he was talking and shaking hands with beauty queen Pia Wurtzbach.
The incident happened at the Manila International Book Fair in Pasay last Thursday, Sept. 14, where Lee and Wurtzbach were in attendance. In the video taken by ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe, the beauty queen was greeting fans while walking to the stage for the launch of her book “Queen of the Universe.”
Lee, who was among those standing at the sidelines, then extended his arm to shake hands with Wurtzbach. The beauty queen was still holding the acclaimed screenwriter’s hand when the security staff made his way between them, seemingly in an effort to separate them.
The security guard’s action immediately drew the ire of netizens who pointed out that regardless of Lee’s title, the security staff should have been gentler and more respectful with his approach because the screenwriter is a senior citizen.
Some also lamented how the security were apparently not briefed properly by the event organizers.
Images: Facebook/ABS-CBN
Lee, who was named a National Artist in 2022, has written almost 200 screenplays, including “Brutal” (1980) and “Karnal” (1983), both directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya; “Himala” (1982) by Ishmael Bernal; “Macho Dancer” (1988) by Lino Brocka; and “José Rizal” (1998), again, by Diaz-Abaya.
He is also known for his best-selling novels including “Para kay B” and “Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata.” EDV