'Pinoy Big Brother' apologizes over nude painting challenge

MANILA, Philippines – ABS-CBN's reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” issued an apology for its nude painting challenge.

This is after the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board summoned the show's producers to explain the June 4 episode of “Pinoy Big Brother All In,” wherein contestant Jayme Jalandoni was presented a challenge which dared her to pose nude for a painting-for-charity.

READ: MTRCB summons ABS-CBN over 'Big Brother' nude challenge

The statement, as aired on ABS-CBN's primetime news program “TV Patrol” on Wednesday, June 11, reads: “While the objective of the week-long task was to see how the housemates would react to a test of their convictions and values, and was not intended to disrespect the rights of any housemate, the producers wish to convey their sincerest apologies to those who were offended, and assure the public and the MTRCB that the program will continue to ensure the protection of women's rights in general, and housemates' rights in particular, while providing quality and yet gender and audience-sensitive entertainment to its audiences worldwide.”

Jalandoni, who also asked fellow contestants Michelle Gumabao, Daniel Matsunaga, and Ranty Portento to join her in the painting-for-charity, did not go through with the challenge.

READ: PBB urged to apologize for going 'overboard' with nude task

Two senators criticized PBB over the said challenge, saying the reality show “crossed the line” when it asked to female contestants to pose nude for a painting.  

"This is an assault to the dignity of the women housemates. Asking a woman to consider posing nude in such a situation - where her acceptance to perform the challenge is made in exchange for points or benefits for herself or her housemates - is tantamount to coercion," senator Pia Cayetano said in a statement.

"In their desire to challenge and teach the contestants life lessons, they should be conscious of the rights of the housemates and know the limits when assigning tasks that could end up degrading women and trampling on their dignity. In this case, they crossed the line." she added.

Meanwhile, senator Nancy Binay called the challenge an "irresponsible and insensitive act bordering on blackmail."

READ: Toni on 'PBB' nude painting issue: 'The show knows its limitations'

In an interview earlier this week, Pinoy Big Brother host Toni Gonzaga said she believed the program knows its limitations.

“Alam naman ni Kuya yun e, alam naman ng PBB ang limitations niya,” she said.