Choco Mucho stands by Deanna Wong, teammates amid ‘snubbing’ controversy
The Choco Mucho management defended the Flying Titans who have been in hot water due to a now-viral “snubbing” issue, insisting that their fans “know how warm, respectful, appreciative, and accommodating the ladies are.”
In a statement shared on social media on Monday, Dec. 5, the professional women’s volleyball team addressed the controversy and pointed out how Internet users are calling its members “snobs who lack good manners and right conduct.”
“Unfortunately, what is not included in the viral clip are other videos online showing the players acknowledging and talking to fans, and accommodating selfies and videos with them while trying to have their break,” the management said.
“The team’s fans know how warm, respectful, appreciative, and accommodating the ladies are,” they noted.
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans (CMFT) acknowledged that the players “could have handled that particular encounter in the video better,” but condemned “malicious posts” that put them, the management, and the company “in a bad light.”
“Posting these innuendoes only brings negativity to our volleyball community and put the well-being of our athletes at risk,” they added.
“We thank our fans who are supportive of the team and respectful of the players. Together, let us grow the sport of volleyball with an atmosphere of respect for each other,” the Premier Volleyball Team’s management concluded.
The CMFT has been under fire after a video showing Deanna Wong, Bea De Leon, and the rest of the team seemingly snubbing their fans circulated online. The incident took place as the players were onboarding a vehicle during their short vacation in Boracay.
The viral video didn’t sit well with netizens, including TV host Kim Atienza, who called it an "irritating yet sad sight.” He said that the team “should be advised that catering to fans is a responsibility” as they are also public personalities. “Otherwise, stay out of the public eye and play privately,” he wrote in a Facebook post.