PBA reporter Apple David has reacted to the backlash over her rumored relationship with collegiate athlete Chad Gammad.
Netizens were abuzz after rumors circulated online alleging a romance between the 33-year-old courtside reporter and the 18-year-old Letran Knights guard.
Speculations ignited after online users gathered supposed “proofs” that the two are romantically linked. One of the photos circulating online showed David inside an elevator with another woman and a mystery guy whose arm tattoo users quickly compared to Gammad’s tattoos seen in his social media photos.
The alleged relationship immediately drew mixed reactions online, particularly over the pair’s reported 15-year age difference.
“Kadiri. Hindi okay ’yan. What’s someone in their mid-30s doing with an 18-year-old? Jusko ang bata-bata nung itsura nung lalaki,” one Reddit user commented.
Another wrote, “Lakas ng loob ni Apple pumatol sa bata. I believe kaka-18 lang nung guy. How/what/why!?”
Others also accused David of being a “groomer” and “predator” amid the controversy.
On Monday, David addressed the backlash through a series of social media responses that have since circulated online in spliced clips.
Responding to a comment asking why she did not date someone within her age range, David said relationships and emotions are not always planned.
“’Di ko talaga nagegets ’no? Sa buhay ba natin, lagi tayong nakakapili? Paano ’yung mga bagay na biglang dumating na lang na sitwasyon tapos sometimes, you just can’t explain it. Like, I cannot explain it,” she said.
David also dismissed the criticism directed toward her, arguing that online backlash would not affect her.
“I guess kahit anong ingay gawin n’yo, kahit paabutin n’yo pa sa kabilang universe ’tong issue, kahit ano pang bashing ’yung sabihin n’yo, sa’n kayo aabutin n’yan? Kayo lang naii-stress,” she added.
The reporter also directly responded to a netizen who commented, “You have a choice not to date an 18-year-old.”
“But I also have a choice to. Masama bang bigyan ng chance ’yung… nag-click eh! What am I supposed to do?” David answered.
Addressing comments about how an 18-year-old’s brain is not yet fully developed, David questioned why the issue was being highlighted specifically because she was older.
“So dapat yung mga 18 and below, hindi naggi-girlfriend and boyfriend? Or nagkataon lang kasi mas matanda ako kaya biglang issue ’yung ‘not fully developed?’” she said.
“So ano ba point dito? Hindi ba fully developed ang frontal lobe niya at 18? So dapat ang mga 18 years old, hindi ’yan nagma-make ng decisions about relationships? O bini-bring up niyo lang ’yan kasi nga I’m older,” she added.
David further emphasized that both she and Gammad are of legal age and capable of making their own decisions.
“Naiintindihan ko na bata siya but he’s not a minor. I’m not even a groomer, 18 na siya nung nakilala ko siya. Hindi ko naman siya pinalaki,” she said.
She also pushed back against labels such as “groomer,” “predator,” and “pedophile.”
“Don’t use words if you don’t know the meaning. Groomer? Predator? Pedophile? Do you guys even know the meaning?” David said.
Despite the criticism, David maintained that the people close to them have been supportive.
“Sobrang hirap bang rumespeto ng desisyon ng ibang tao? We’re happy. Supportive ang families namin. Ang pangit lang na we’re happy tas sinisira niyo ang happiness namin,” she said.
As of writing, neither David nor Gammad, along with their respective teams and affiliated organizations, has released an official statement confirming the real status of their relationship.
