Julie Anne San Jose sorry for viral church incident: ‘Lesson learned’

Julie Anne San Jose acknowledged her mistake following backlash on her supposed “disrespectful” performance at a church in Mindoro which recently held a benefit concert.

San Jose made headlines after performing ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory” in an undisclosed event at the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Parish Church in Mindoro. Videos of the event where the “Maria Clara at Ibarra” star appeared to be singing inside the church, in a long sleeveless dress with a thigh-high slit, went viral on social media.

Hours later, Sparkle GMA Artist Center announced that it is taking responsibility for the incident. Nonetheless, San Jose, too, said sorry in a Facebook statement on Thursday, October 10, for having offended the public.

“I am offering my apologies. Even though my only intentions were to share joy and to give support to the church through the benefit concert, many have felt offended about the incident I was in and with my performance which caused distress,” she said.

The actress-singer said the viral incident is a “lesson learned,” while reiterating that her faith is “unbreakable and cannot be shaken.”

“I truly, sincerely apologize. This is a lesson learned and it is assured that it will not be repeated. I am not perfect but please know that I have strong beliefs and my faith is unbreakable and cannot be shaken. I pray that we can all move forward with compassion in our hearts. Thank you,” she said.

While the Catholic church does not impose a dress code during mass, its officials customarily discouraged the laity from wearing sleeveless tops and mini skirts for women, and shorts for men. Usherettes often offer shawls to those who are dressed inappropriately before they line up for communion.

San Jose earned the support of her followers in the comments, while some pointed out that the church should be held accountable as well for organizing a benefit concert in the first place.

San Jose’s boyfriend, actor Rayver Cruz, also posted a bible quote on his Instagram Story, seemingly in a show of support for the beleaguered actress.

The organizers of the alleged benefit concert and the church itself have yet to make a statement about the viral incident, as of this writing.