The reality competition series “Drag Race Philippines” is facing criticism once again for its use of a “trash” comment, this time delivered by renowned fashion figure Tessa Prieto.
During the judges’ critique, Prieto expressed her disappointment with the execution of OV C–T’s Halloween look.
“Can I say it? This is trash,” Prieto commented, evoking memories of a similar contentious statement made by Rajo Laurel in the previous season.
In the previous season, the contestant Eva Le Queen had an emotional reaction to Laurel’s “trash” comment, which sparked backlash from viewers who believed that critiques should be constructive and respectful.
OV responded to Prieto’s comment during the confessionals, saying, “Ayoko, I don’t want to give her any energy.”
Prieto further elaborated on her dissatisfaction with OV’s look, noting, “Parang kulang ng spooky. Also, when I spoke to you, you have other ideas from the time that I saw you, I’m seeing the same thing.”
“A little disappointment lang because ‘yung conversation natin, you wanted to have that sort of edginess, parang wala namang edgy,” she added.
In the “Untucked” episode, OV became emotional, expressing her belief that the comment was uncalled for.
“For some reason, ‘pag nasa main stage ako, nati-trigger anxiety ko. So kanina hindi ko alam kung ano nangyayari sa ‘kin, apparently pala nung naglalakad tayo, nadudurog na pala ‘yung outfit,” OV shared.
“Maganda naman ‘yung gawa ko, hindi naman siya super pangit … mukha akong tanga kanina, napapahiya ako.”
OV explained that Prieto’s comment negatively impacted her and undermined her confidence.
“Super hiyang-hiya ako nung moment na ‘yun. I entered this competition, especially this challenge with so much braveness sa sarili ko and kumbaga, kumpiyansa sa sarili ko na kayang-kaya ko ‘to … Ang lungkot ko na I end up in this situation na nasa lusak ako.”
Some fans also expressed disappointment with the comment, pointing out that the show seems to not have learned from its past mistakes.
Okay before I film #TheStopOver I just wanna air this out- Ms Tessa Prieto has no business saying the word “trash” WHILE looking like that on the judges panel. What irks me more is the fact that she was with us in a dinner with Eva last year to talk about how that same word-
— Marina Summers (@marinaxsummers) August 17, 2023
Tessa Prieto teh dapat out of all people ikaw nakakaintindi ng mga ganitong look kasi araw araw mukha kang parang magulong display ng Christmas Ornaments sa tiangge. Was excited pa nung trailer na judge ka tapos kaugali mo lang pala si The Hilarious Rajo Laurel. #DragRacePH https://t.co/P71szXFFrD
— Deniel John (@Deniel_Anciano) August 16, 2023
Eva also commented on Prieto’s remark: “That TRASH moment was uncalled for. When will this verbal assault or reducing artists to such a word f**ing stop. Disgusting.”
That TRASH moment was uncalled for. When will this verbal assault or reducing artists to such a word fucking stop. Disgusting.
— Ms. Eva (@eva_lequeen) August 16, 2023
Coming home from the club and Im still not okay with what happened at Untucked. That was unsettling and dramatic in the most uncomfortable way. 2 of my family hitting their lows. And some blonde bitch at Nectar had the gall to ask sa mic, ‘naenjoy niyo ba yung untucked?’ Tangina?
— Ms. Eva (@eva_lequeen) August 16, 2023
You all know why I’m so mad? On Oct 4, 2023, Rajo and I had this ‘Reconciliation Dinner’ to finally put this Trash issue behind and move on. Guess who else was a ‘guest’ in that dinner? TESSA PRIETO. pic.twitter.com/W7ycjGTBKg
— Ms. Eva (@eva_lequeen) August 16, 2023
“Drag Race Philippines” continues to air new episodes on Wednesdays through WOW Presents Plus and HBO Go, along with its “Untucked” segment.