Czarina Faith Abuso

Ethan David denies ‘grooming’ accusations, admits it affected his mental health

Article (news)

Clarence Roi Gillego

Push Team

<p>GAT member Ethan David has denied the accusations that he is grooming a 13-year-old, calling them “baseless” and “extremely damaging.” </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-20" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJIt8Cuy1dW/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=491&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A20%2C%22os%22%3A22484050.3%2C%22ls%22%3A176964.8999999999%2C%22le%22%3A176967.6000000001%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1069" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-20" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Being at the receiving end of online hate due to his involvement in a controversial video, Ethan issued a new statement via an Instagram post on Thursday night, May 15. </p><p>“Let me be clear... I have never been involved in any inappropriate relationship with a minor,” he clarified. </p><p>READ THE FULL STATEMENT HERE:</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-21" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrDYDEpOld/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=491&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A21%2C%22os%22%3A22485271.4%2C%22ls%22%3A176964.8999999999%2C%22le%22%3A176967.6000000001%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="777" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-21" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>The GAT member also emphasized in the statement that he has “always been firmly against” grooming. </p><p>“I will never tolerate nor condone such behavior,” he stressed.  </p><p>In the same statement, Ethan also made some clarifications, in hopes to shed light on the issue which he deemed as a “misunderstanding.” </p><p>“To clarify the confusion surrounding the video, the joking comments heard in the video led to a misunderstanding that I was grooming a 13-year-old. In reality, I was the 13-year-old being referred to,” he clarified.  </p><p>“The situation being discussed dates back to a time when I was a young teenager experiencing innocent puppy love during my time in Canada,” he added.  </p><p>The actor did not disclose the name of the other party involved for privacy reasons.  </p><p>“I want to emphasize that it was nothing more than a harmless, age-appropriate childhood experience,” he stressed.  </p><p>Meanwhile, the GAT member admitted that the controversy has affected his mental health. </p><p>“Over the past few days, I have been receiving a significant amount of hate across social media platforms, which has taken a toll on my mental health,” he said. &quot;It is painful to see false narratives being spread especially ones that affect not only me but also the people close to me.”  </p><p>Ethan once again apologized to the people who were affected by the controversy, including his friends and family.  </p><p>He also expressed gratitude in the statement: “Thank you to those who continue to support and understand me.”  </p><p>The GAT member also added that he will bring the lessons he gained from the experience moving forward.  </p><p>“Naiintindihan ko po (na) nagkamali ako and I will carry this experience moving forward with greater awareness and respect,” he said.  </p><p>Last May 8, Ethan made his first public apology through a statement released by Viva Artists Agency.  </p><p>&quot;Humihingi po ako ng kapatawaran sa mga nasaktan at na-disappoint sa akin,” he said in the previous statement. “Nais ko pong ipahayag na malaki po ang respeto ko sa lahat ng tao lalong lalo na sa kababaihan, at anumang napakita kong kamalian sa kumalat na video ay hindi po sumasalamin sa mga pinahahalagahan ko bilang tao. Hinding-hindi po ito mauulit.” </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/5/9/ethan-david-shawn-castro-apologize-for-viral-video-1143"><strong>READ:Ethan David, Shawn Castro apologize for viral video</strong></a></div>

<p>Ethan David addresses the allegations of grooming that were thrown at him following his involvement in a controversial viral video. </p>

Ethan David addresses the allegations of grooming that were thrown at him following his involvement in a controversial viral video.