In a previous interview with PEP, Mariel de Leon said that the online bashing she has received is the worst part of her reign; unfortunately, she is going through that cycle again after comments on Catriona Gray drew flak from netizens.
It all started when de Leon, the reigning Binibining Pilipinas – International, said that she prefers “dark horses” to win a title in the national pageant, instead of the popular ones.
“I like a good underdog. Ayoko yung pinaka-popular… I like the dark horse, I think, as they say. I like Sandra Lemonon, Candidate No. 35 yata. Tapos yung number 21… I don’t know her name kasi true Filipina beauty yung No. 21,” she said.
Her comment did not sit well with the fans of Gray who is considered as one of the most popular candidates in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas.
De Leon drew even more criticism after she gave Gray a piece of constructive criticism on the Binibining Pilipinas 2018: Road to the Crown episode which was aired last March 11.
In the said episode, the candidates of the pageant had to go through what seems to be a mock question-and-answer portion wherein Gray said that music helps her connect to people.
“My strength is that… I feel everything very strongly and I find that when I sing. Through music, it helps me connect to people,” Gray eloquently said.
After giving her answer, de Leon decided to air her opinion by saying that Gray’s way of speech is a “tiny bit scripted”.
“I really love your confidence and the way you speak. But sometimes, it seems just a tiny bit scripted,” de Leon said.
Watch! Catriona VS Mariel…
“I really loved you’re confidence and the way you speak, but sometimes it seems that just a tiny scripted” – Mariel D.L.#BBP2018TheRoadToTheCrown #BbPilipinas2018 pic.twitter.com/VB3NTyt2Cy
— Miguel Uy (@iamMiguelUy) March 11, 2018
Beauty pageant enthusiasts took it to Twitter to defend Gray who has already proven her strength as a beauty queen when she finished as a Top 5 finalist in Miss World 2016.
Catriona has always been accused of sounding scripted when she speaks, but we really can't blame the girl if she is naturally smart and eloquent, and if she thinks before she speaks, which is a trait not everyone has been blessed with. Right, Mariel?#BBP2018TheRoadToTheCrown
— FVCKSTANDARDS (@FVCKSTNDRDS) March 11, 2018
#BBP2018TheRoadToTheCrown Mariel we cannot blame Catriona for speaking English fluently and most of all for explaining things that she normally does, you cannot hate real talent and beauty just saying #love #peace
— Romeo Cristobal (@msuniversemimi) March 11, 2018
Mariel de leon strikes again. Does she really know who is she talking to, she wasnt even given yhe chance to deliver a speech in Ms International wherein Catriona was able to be in top 5. Tsk tsk #BBP2018TheRoadToTheCrown
— IamLayPantangco (@LayPantangco) March 11, 2018
Hey Mariel De Leon your comment was too shallow. You just dont know how smart Catriona is! Baka nakakalimutan mo Ms World siya! #bbpilipinas2018 #BBP2018TheRoadToTheCrown
— Ced (@cedalter101) March 12, 2018
STOP THE HATE… CATRIONA PA RIN #BBP2018TheRoadToTheCrown
— Home Malone (@homeemalone) March 12, 2018
On the other hand, De Leon decided to also defend herself through a series of tweets.
If you’re not open to constructive criticism, then you’re not open to truly growing as a person.
And yes, there is a difference between constructive criticism (to help someone grow) and bashing.
— Mariel de Leon (@mariaangelicadl) March 11, 2018
I believe what fans say or do to others are a reflection of the person they admire/are rooting for. Remember that.
— Mariel de Leon (@mariaangelicadl) March 12, 2018
Spectators talk more than the players.
See, even she knew it was edited wrong just to stir the pot. That wasn’t all that was said. Case closed.
All love & positivity from now on.
— Mariel de Leon (@mariaangelicadl) March 12, 2018
She also said on a now-deleted tweet that her comments on the show have been edited wrong.
“Adding and editing is the key! #ratingspamore,” she tweeted.
Amid the online war on the Twitterverse, Gray said that she accepts de Leon’s constructive criticism and that she wants everyone to stop bashing the reigning beauty queen.
Binibining Pilipinas 2018 will happen on March 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum wherein Gray will be competing and de Leon will be passing on her title.
