BROADWAY actress Lea Salonga reminded her fans to respect her personal space and not cross boundaries following an incident where Filipino fans entered her dressing room without permission.
The incident happened after her Broadway performance “Here Lies Love.” A video of the incident posted by Cristopher Retokelly Carpila on July 15, 2023 went viral online as it gained reactions from netizens.
In the viral video, the fans claimed to know the show's co-producer, G Tongi, but Salonga clarified that only those on the guest list are allowed backstage for security reasons.
She can be heard in the video telling the fans to wait outside for a photo opportunity with her.
"Thank you, but then again I have to be strict about this," said the actress.
Salonga still granted their request for a photo outside the dressing room area.
Hours after the incident, Salonga posted on Twitter, emphasizing that buying a ticket to a show does not entitle fans to all-access privileges.
She stressed that fans pay for the performance, not personal access to the artist.
While she doesn't swear at people, Salonga said she will protect her boundaries. She acknowledged that she may lose fans by enforcing her boundaries, but she stands by her decision.
"The money you pay for a theater/concert ticket does not mean all-access. You pay for that performer’s art, and that’s where it stops,” she said. “I’m not the type to cuss people out, but I will protect my territory and my boundaries. If I lose fans as a result, so be it.”
"When one of our lead producers and our dance captain saw the video and learned about what happened, they said, 'You were still very nice, if that were me I would’ve cussed at them and kicked them out',” Salonga said in another Twitter post.
"Just a reminder... I have boundaries. Do not cross them. Thank you," she said.
Other local artists also commented on the incident, with some noting that Filipino fans can exhibit entitled behavior, believing artists owe them something. Salonga expressed frustration with this attitude.
Salonga clarified that the fans in the video were not known by the co-producer mentioned.
In her role in "Here Lies Love," Salonga led an all-Filipino cast, showcasing her talent and representing the Philippines in international theater. (Ian Christopher Ostulano, NWSSU Intern/LMY)