Choco Mucho Flying Titans star Deanna Wong has found herself at the center of a social media storm after a photo surfaced showing her declining a fan’s request for a selfie.
The incident, which quickly went viral, has reignited discussions about the obligations of athletes to their supporters, with netizens sharply divided over Wong’s actions.
The controversy erupted when a fan captured the moment Wong appeared to brush off the selfie request, prompting a wave of criticism online. This isn’t the first time the volleyball standout has faced scrutiny for similar behavior, as her tendency to keep fans at a distance has been a recurring point of contention in her career.
Maritime practitioner and Duterte supporter, Lacruiser Relativo took to Facebook to pen an open letter to Wong, calling out her recent conduct. “Kindness does not cost a thing,” Relativo wrote, emphasizing that Wong’s success is not solely her own doing.
“You didn’t reach the top of this sport through personal dedication alone. It was a collective effort—your supporters, the people who showed up, cheered, and stood by you.” Relativo argued that while Wong isn’t obligated to cater to every fan demand, acknowledging those who have supported her rise is “simply the right thing to do.”
The post struck a chord with many, sparking a flood of comments condemning Wong’s perceived aloofness. “She needs to realize fans are part of why she’s where she is,” one commenter noted.
However, not everyone agrees that Wong is in the wrong. A vocal contingent of supporters has rallied to her defense, arguing that she’s entitled to her personal boundaries. X user Carla questioned the entitlement some fans feel toward celebrities, posting, “Saw that clip of Deanna Wong refusing to take a photo with a fan, now she’s immediately being called names. Why do Filipinos think celebrities or just famous people in general owe them shit?”
Others echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of respecting Wong’s space. “Hindi niyo lang alam kung paano mag respect ng personal space. Nandoon siya para manood at mag enjoy, hindi yun meet and greet,” one supporter wrote, pointing out that the encounter didn’t occur at an official fan event.
X user she_tweetumz added, “Di ko gets hate kay Deanna Wong!? I’m not even a fan pero mahirap bang intindihin yung personal space ng tao?”
The polarized reactions highlight a broader debate about the relationship between public figures and their admirers. While some see Wong’s refusal as a lack of gratitude, others view it as a reasonable assertion of her autonomy.
As the online discourse continues to unfold, Wong has yet to publicly address the incident, leaving fans and critics alike awaiting her next move—both on and off the court.