Being a celebrity also means getting used to having legions of fans asking for pictures and autographs wherever you go. It’s par for the course because, in people’s eyes, you’re an entertainer first, a human being second. So, how do you navigate the thin line between being a public figure and interacting with your adoring fans? Kapuso actor David Licauco recently experienced this, and here’s what he has to say for those who have dubbed him ‘suplado.’

The picture-taking dilemma

A TikTok video featuring Kapuso actor David Licauco has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter). In the clip, he looks somewhat distant towards a fan who asked for a picture.

“Singit yarn? Galing umacting? May blockbuster? Bwak bwak bwak,” the netizen’s caption on the post reads.

The Kapuso actor saw the post and clarified what really happened. According to Licauco, he was sick, and the video was taken late at night (at 1 a.m., to be precise).

People share their encounters with him

Many defended the actor, encouraging others to cut him slack despite his celebrity status. Haven’t we learned anything from so-called fans who sneaked into the dressing room of Lea Salonga last year?

“He looks tired though and respeto din minsan sa personal space kahit sinoman yan,” an X user said.

Some also shared meeting him in person and how accommodating he was to his fans. 

“I met David sa Siargao non’g January 2017 during Bench pictorial and to be honest, mabait po s’ya sa pagpa-picture namin, walang eme, walang kaarte-arte.”

Even the owner of the video refuted the ‘suplado’ jabs at David, mentioning that he even talked to his fans.

“Sakto lang na pauwi na siya at papunta sa car, may nag-ulit magpa-pic kaya medyo nagulat siya,” the uploader added.

Are some Pinoy fans entitled?

For most celebrities, interacting with fans is like walking a tightrope: you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t. And looking at the negative comments that David’s been getting, there might be a sprinkle of truth to that.

But could it be that some fans are just acting entitled? Some netizens think so.

Others pointed out that David didn’t have to take a photo with the fans in the first place, let alone apologize for not being as energetic.

Don’t celebrities get to have any off days?

What can you say about this issue?