Grand winner ng ‘The Pop Stage’ nag-sorry: There’s no intention on my part to plagiarize

NAGSALITA na ang “The Pop Stage” grand champion na si CJ Villavicencio tungkol sa reklamo ng plagiarism o pangongopya sa pagkanta niya sa Eraserheads medley.

Si CJ ang itinanghal na winner sa online talent show na “The Pop Stage,” hosted by Matteo Guidicelli kung saan nanalo siya ng P1 million cash at one-year contract sa Viva Artists Agency.

Umani ng batikos at pamba-bash mula sa netizens ang singer nang umalma ang cast members ng “Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical” sa umano’y copyright infringement at plagiarism na kanyang nagawa.

Ayon sa ilang miyembro ng cast ng “Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical”, ang performance ni CJ ay ginaya lamang sa isang eksena sa kanilang hit musical play, partikular na ang arrangement ng Eraserheads medley.

Pati ang Eraserheads frontman na si Ely Buendia ay hindi sumang-ayon sa ginawa ni CJ, “In our day to day struggles against this oppressive life, the temptation is always there to take the fast route, the shortcut, the easy way to success. But we are human. I hope this matter is resolved soon and credit is given to those who deserve it.”

Narito ang official statement ni CJ na kanyang ipinost sa Facebook: “Over the weekend, my life has changed in an instant. I did not expect my victory to trigger so much negative comments and hate online.

“I was hurt and it also aches my heart to unintentionally hurt some people as well, especially the production team of ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical.’

“My final performance during the finals of ‘The Pop Stage’ is an Eraserheads medley and was meant to be a tribute to my favorite artists and musical while also incorporating my own story and experiences.

“It is a piece that reflects my relationship with my friends, my role as a student, and my passion for music. It was also dedicated to all the students who endlessly strive in life.

“There was no intention whatsoever on my part to plagiarize. I am sorry if I caused undue distress, seemed disrespectful or if I have hurt the theater community.

“Honestly, the things that I’ve read slightly affected my mental health. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who messaged just to check up on me.

“Clearly, as an amateur and aspiring artist, I still have so many things to learn. I humbly ask for everyone’s understanding as I navigate this new world that I have recently entered. I am not a bad person. My intentions were far different from what people think.

“I am grateful for the support of my new management and the people behind ‘The Pop Stage.’ I am also deeply thankful to ‘The Pop Stage’ judges and my supporters for this life-changing opportunity. In this time of uncertainty, may we all have the heart to spread love among humanity.”