This Saturday, October 14, Kathryn Bernardo updated her Instagram account with a clear statement against cyberbullying.
The 21-year-old actress posted: "Being called names is painful.
"But one good thing about pain is it teaches you something.
"It teaches you that you are more than hurtful words and labels.
"You are more than the flaws that people see.
"You are more than their victim.
"Choose to stand up against cyberbullying and BE MORE!"
In her caption, Kathryn wrote, "Own who you are," and tagged the international anti-cyberbullying non-profit organization The Cybersmile Foundation.
Fans of Kathryn showed their support for their idol with the hashtag #OwnWhoYouAre.
Kathryn's mom, Min Bernardo, also posted a message from Kathryn's fans on her own Instagram account.
Mommy Min wrote, "Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat na nagmamahal kay Kathryn, na laging handa na ipaglaban at ipagtanggol siya.
"We have been so blessed in life that our hearts are filled with gratefulness.
"Sa mga bashers and haters ni Kathryn at Kathniel, kasama na ang lahat ng mga nag-iisip ng masama sa amin, God bless your souls!"
XANDER FORD ANGERS KATHNIEL FANS. Meanwhile, social media star Xander Ford figured in a rift with Kathryn's fans when Xander allegedly made a snide remark about Kathryn's legs.
A viral video made the rounds yesterday, October 13, and the voice caught on-cam was reportedly Xander's.
In the video conversation, the name of Kathryn's latest teleserye La Luna Sangre was mentioned, along with a comment that the actress was bowlegged or "sakang."
The original leaked video has since been taken down, but copies of it remain online.
Xander Ford took to his official Facebook account and denied that it was his voice in the video.
In his post, he nevertheless apologized to Kathryn, her fans, and Kathryn's love-team partner Daniel Padilla.
He wrote, "Nakaka sad lang kasi hinuhusgahan ako dahil po sa Kumakalat na video na kaboses ko…
"Una po sa lahat, hindi ko po kayang ganunin si Ate Kathryn Bernardo Official about sa kung ano daw ang meron sa kanya at saka po wala naman po ako alam sa kung ano meron kay Ate Kath.
"Kasi una po sa lahat, mahal na mahal namin si Ate Kath. siya yung isa sa Kinagigiliwan ng mga fanboy na tulad ko."
While the voice sounded like Xander's, the controversial social media sensation also mentioned that he and his younger brother sounded alike.
He said, "Sorry sa lahat ng fans ng Kathniel.
"Alam ko hindi ako yun, pero para sa taong gumawa no'n para siraan ako, ipagdadasal ko nalang po kayo."
Despite Xander's statement, he became the object of brickbats on Twitter by Kathryn's fans.
Kapal ng muka ni xander ford whooo???? sinabihan Banamang "sakang" si Kathryn bernardo. Wala daw siyang nakita na sexy na sakang. Wtf xander?????
— Richard kyle vllflrs (@Rkyliebruh) October 14, 2017
Not a fan of Kathryn Bernardo but what this “Xander Ford” did was very inappropriate, especially from someone who borrowed a face for fame.
— Pablo Cruz (@pabluesclues) October 14, 2017
Hey Xander ford x Marlou, Respeto naman para sa Teen Queen #KathrynBernardo Kung gusto mong irespito ka rin namin. #RespectKathrynBernardo
— Rosexyyy_anna (@kbdjpRose) October 14, 2017
Please respect Kathryn Bernardo ???????? #OwnWhoYouAre
— Andi de Leon (@itsmehandeng) October 14, 2017
Xander Ford or Marlou whatever is against bullying but up to the highest level of irony and hypocrisy just insulted Kathryn Bernardo.
— Althea Delgado (@altheadelgado_) October 14, 2017
Tigas din ng mukha nito ni Marlou eh no. Sya pa talaga yung nanglait kay Kathryn Bernardo. Huwaaaaw
— Jazzamhine Torres (@JazzaTorres) October 14, 2017
Xander's management, Star Image Artist Management, also released an official statement regarding the viral video.