A lawyer observing the issue involving Lea Salonga wrote an open letter to the international singer, reminding her to be more careful with the words she uttered on social media.
In his Facebook post, Atty. Arnedo Valera of Valera and Associates shared a statement made by Salonga in 2019, in which she said that people should stop using their phones at concerts and theater performances.
In the said statement, Salonga stated that people should leave the venue if they’re just going to use their phones in the middle of the show.
“So yeah. More cellphone users at plays and concerts. You guys have zero manners, zero breeding, zero empathy. If all you’re gonna do while sitting in the front row of a play is hunch over your phone, do everyone a favour and leave. Your presence is disruptive and disrespectful to the actors and the audience.” Salonga said.
“Money may get you theater tickets and your state of the art cellphone, but it can’t buy you class,” she added.
Valera gave his comment on the said statements from the singer, reminding her how her fans made her career successful.
“Your supporters have been there for you, often using their hard-earned money to buy theatre tickets to your shows or merchandise related to your work. This is how they express their love and admiration for your talent. Even the state-of-the-art cellphones are means by which they connect with you, through social media .In essence, the financial investments they make allow them to appreciate and support the art and artists they love,” the lawyer said.
“Furthermore, one must be cautious about conflating class with wealth or material possessions. Class is inherently about how we treat others and interact with the world, not about the tangible things we own or the money we have. To suggest that spending money on things we value, like theatre tickets or technology, somehow lessens our class may inadvertently discourage people from supporting the arts.
“Respectfully, we are all in this journey together. As much as you have been a source of inspiration, remember that it is the same fans that helped elevate you to the heights of your success. Their support, expressed through their financial means, is a testament to their love for your talent and dedication. It is their class, their respect and appreciation for your craft, that has also contributed to your success.”
While Valera said that he understood the point made by Salonga, he said that the singer’s message to her followers showed signs of ‘elitism and arrogance.’
As of writing, Lea has yet to response to Valera’s open letter.