Charles Teves
Donnalyn Bartolome’s birthday celebration didn’t go exactly as planned as she inadvertently disgusted her followers.
Bartolome decided to have a baby-themed photoshoot for her 28th birthday. Photos show the vlogger exposing clothing, playing with her cake, and acting all innocent.
Despite never intending to “sexualize babies,” netizens thought that was what Bartolome accomplished with her surprising post.
Netizens also wondered why no one from Bartolome’s crew warned her of the possible consequences that could come out of the photoshoot.
https://twitter.com/ltyjvv/status/1546063777623183360?s=20&t=IELCTmzalM1gC7ph0VlNNw
Some think she’s simply a “fame whore” who always desires to make the headlines.
https://twitter.com/curiouscatnip/status/1546008500631109633?s=20&t=IELCTmzalM1gC7ph0VlNNw
Following the backlash, Bartolome took down the photos and issued an apology.
“It was an honest mistake, it was never my intention to enable one of the most horrifying acts here on Earth,” she wrote on Facebook.
https://twitter.com/MegMarforii/status/1546080170666524672?s=20&t=IELCTmzalM1gC7ph0VlNNw
She sought the help of netizens to send “the links of the post of anyone who reposted” so her team can take those down too.
“Almost a million people across [social media] platforms thought of it light and funny because they know my personality and didn’t look at it that way hence our initial reaction to the idea was the same… but upon reading other people’s perspective, I completely agree. I feel terrible, sick to my stomach, and had disturbing flashbacks I’d rather not say,” she added.
Bartolome noted that sexualizing babies would be the last thing she’d do, given her “overprotective” reputation when it comes to her siblings, whom she helped raise since she was just 11.
She was grateful to everyone who helped her realize that she had made a mistake “, especially those who did it so kindly.”
“You’re the type of people who help me become a better person every day as I hold the responsibility of influencing millions. It’s not easy… but I’ll do my best,” she wrote.
She also tagged Nayon ng Kabataan, an orphanage outreach, in case someone wants to help abused minors.
“The children admitted there carry so much pain, you can donate or send them little gifts to make them feel better. Thanks everyone and I’m sorry,” the actress concluded.
