Christine Reyes has responded to criticisms following a throwback photo she shared on social media with the late Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu on her birthday. The now-deleted post featured an old photo of the two with a caption, "Rest in peace, our childhood favorite." Reyes expressed frustration through an Instagram story after being called "insensitive" for combining a tribute to Hsu, who recently passed away, with her birthday greeting to herself.
In the Instagram story, the Filipino actress wrote, "There is a consequence for mistakes, isn't there?" She also added, "Perhaps I am truly mourning on my birthday. There are so many great people in the world." Reyes seemed to acknowledge her mistake and the backlash she faced, recognizing the excellence of many others in the world.
Critics pointed out the lack of connection between Hsu and Reyes' birthday, suggesting that separate posts should have been made to show proper respect for the deceased. Some netizens expressed confusion on whether to greet Reyes for her birthday or extend condolences to the late actress.
The incident underscores the delicate balance required on social media when dealing with sensitive matters like death and personal celebrations. Reyes' response and the public reaction serve as a reminder of the importance of thoughtfulness and consideration in online interactions.
