TV personality Kim Atienza has spoken out against a netizen he described as an “evangelical bully” for a faith-based comment that appeared to blame his late daughter Emman’s death on her own choice.
The comment came from Atienza’s post on TikTok, showing a video of Emman singing, as a heartfelt tribute for his youngest daughter.
He captioned it with a Bible verse and a thankful message that read: “‘The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Thank you for the 19 years of my dearest little Emmansky, Lord.”
@kuya_kimatienza The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Thank you for the 19 years of my dearest little emmansky Lord.
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Emman, a 19-year-old content creator and Sparkle artist, passed away on Oct. 24, prompting an outpouring of condolences and sparking conversations on mental health, empathy, and kindness especially in online spaces.
However, one user left a lengthy comment implying that Emman had chosen to end her life and that her parents had “failed” in their duty to guide her.
“This is a common issue — many people misinterpret Scripture to fit their own narratives. But let’s be clear: God did not take her life — she made that choice herself,” the netizen wrote.
The user further blamed Emman’s parents, Kim and Felicia for leaving their daughter “without the support she needed.”
The comment continued, “If you are truly in Christ, the Holy Spirit will convict you to repent for the ways you may have fallen short as a parent. This is an open rebuke. You were meant to be her primary protector, teacher, and guide. Tragically, she was left without the support she needed from the one who was supposed to be her anchor.”
“Proverbs 22:6 says train up a child in the way he should go even when he is old he will not depart from it. It’s a message from God to all the parents failing to do so is a sin,” it concluded.
Atienza immediately responded, calling out the remark.
“You are an evangelical bully. My Emman did not make that choice as clearly as you make choices. My Emman was clinically depressed,” he responded.
Many netizens rallied behind Kuya Kim, defending him from the insensitive comment and reminding others to show compassion toward those who grieve.
“Your comment is not helping. Have more compassion please,” one user said.
“Let the old man grieve. Have a little kindness and just shout your hands typing. I hope your thoughts stays with you specially when it’s not helping and contributing to them,” wrote another.
Some also emphasized that faith should be expressed with empathy, not judgment, echoing Atienza’s call for understanding in conversations about mental health and loss.
“Who are you to say heaven won’t accept her? Are you certain where your own soul is going? You talk about being ‘in Christ’, yet speak with no compassion for those who mourn. Is there a guarantee that everyone who dies ‘naturally’ is in heaven? Or that preaching automatically means you’re saved? None of us know how God’s mercy works, and it’s not your place to act like you do,” a netizen called out the comment.
“Please stop saying that she chose it. She did not. This is not selfish, she just lost her battle that’s it. No parents or siblings deserves this kind of comments. They are grieving, most of us are grieving. An extra kindness and compassion, that is God wants us to share. Please in God’s name, be kind,” added another.
