FAMAS Apologizes to Eva Darren Following Award Show Oversigh

janimonow

May 27

The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) has issued a formal apology to veteran actress Eva Darren following an alleged snub at the 72nd FAMAS Awards. The incident occurred during Sunday's live show, where Darren was scheduled to present Special Citations alongside Tirso Cruz III but was unable to do so.

In a Facebook post on Monday afternoon, FAMAS expressed its "sincerest apologies" to Darren, acknowledging her significant contributions to the Philippine movie industry. "FAMAS would like to express its sincerest apologies to Miss Eva Darren, an icon in the Philippine Movie Industry and a professional actress whose career is indubitably worthy of emulation," the post read.

FAMAS explained that Darren's absence on stage was due to logistical issues during the live broadcast, stating that they were unable to locate her amidst the numerous attendees. They admitted that the situation was a result of negligence and misjudgment, not intentional disregard. "The show is being streamed live and needed to be remedied right away. Hence, a replacement for Miss Darren was done last minute," the organization explained.

The apology came after Darren's son, Fernando de la Pena, publicly criticized FAMAS on Facebook for his mother's treatment at the event. He shared that the public relations officer Darren had been in contact with could only offer repeated apologies without any explanation.

In response to the criticism, FAMAS President Francia Conrad emphasized that the mishap was not deliberate. "I feel so sad about it. Kung ako 'yon, ganun din ang mararamdaman ko. Pero hindi siya sinasadya. There was nothing deliberate," Conrad told GMA News Online.

FAMAS acknowledged the emotional impact on Darren and her family and committed to making amends. They expressed their intention to personally visit Darren to honor her and rebuild her trust. "We understand that an apology alone cannot undo the damage this might have caused Miss Darren, but we are committed to make amends and rebuild her trust by a personal visit of the FAMAS Board to honor her stature, if she allows it," the statement concluded.

The 72nd FAMAS Awards saw several notable winners, including Piolo Pascual, Alfred Vargas, Kathryn Bernardo, Gloria Diaz, and the Kapuso couple Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.