Tuesday Vargas calls for child protection after inappropriate question asked of 12-year-old actor

Actress-host Tuesday Vargas has spoken out in defense of child actor Kanye Avendaño after a member of the press asked the 12-year-old if he would consider joining adult content platform VMX, formerly known as Vivamax, during a recent press conference for his film Guryon. 

In a statement shared on October 23, Tuesday called out the question as inappropriate and stressed the importance of maintaining boundaries and protecting minors in the entertainment industry. 

“PAG TANDA MO GUSTO MO BANG MAG VIVA MAX? 

Bakit mo tatanungin ang isang 12-year-old kung may balak siyang mag-VivaMax?! Saang mundo naging OK at normal para sa isang showbiz reporter ang ganyang tanungan?” she expressed. 

VMX is a streaming platform known for its adult-oriented films. Tuesday pointed out that asking a child about joining the platform was not something that should be dismissed as a joke, particularly when the question was directed at a minor during a media event. 

“Bukod sa hindi age-appropriate, nakakabahala na nakatutok ang mic sa isang bata tapos ganyan ang ‘hirit’—at mas nakakadismaya na may mga natawa pa sa paligid. Normalized sexualization of minors in media is NOT humor; it is boundary-crossing and unacceptable,” Tuesday maintained. 

She added that press conferences and media gatherings should be safe spaces for artists, especially young performers who may find it difficult to respond to inappropriate questions from adults in the industry. 

“Press conferences and media huddles should be a safe space, especially for child actors. Asking a 12-year-old child about adult, sexually explicit content like VivaMax isn’t ‘casual banter’ or ‘pagsakay sa uso’—it’s inappropriate and unprofessional. The fact that adult reporters in the room laughed shows how much work still needs to be done regarding child protection and ethical journalism in entertainment.” 

She also acknowledged that speaking out could invite criticism from others in the industry. However, she said she was willing to stand her ground as a mother and someone who had experienced the entertainment industry herself since she was starting out. 

Although the reporter was neither named nor shown in the videos circulating online, Tuesday said she knows the individual and said that the incident was not the first time something similar had happened. 

She continued: “Showbiz reporting needs boundaries. Being a ‘veteran’ reporter is not a license to cross ethical lines. Kilala po kita, ilang beses mo na din akong naka sama sa mga presscon. Sana naman po since matagal na kayo sa industriya, kayo po ang model ng professionalism at respect. Nakaka disappoint po ito.”  

The actress-host also called for a public apology from the member of the press and urged the entertainment industry to establish consequences for inappropriate conduct involving minors. 

“Wish ko na bukod sa mag issue po kayo ng public apology, AT PARA SA LAHAT ITO SA INDUSTRIYA, we should be aware that minors, even in showbiz, are children first. They should never be subjected to adult-oriented or sexually suggestive topics. Sana may karampatang penalties kapag nangyayari ito kasi ito ay maliwanag na porma ng abuso.” 

Beyond calling out the member of the press, Tuesday encouraged fellow artists to speak up when they witness inappropriate behavior, even when doing so could affect their work opportunities. 

“Sa aking kapwa mga artista, speak up when you see abuses happening around you. Sa gig economy, alam ko nakaka takot na mawalan kasi sumalungat ka. Pero huwag nating lunukin lang ang mga ganitong bagay.” 

Ending her statement, Tuesday praised Zaijian Jaranilla for stepping in to protect his young co-star during the press conference. 

“It takes courage to stand up to senior figures in the industry, but Zaijian showed what real accountability and protection look like,” she said. 

Several netizens commended Tusday for speaking up about the issue and demanding respect and boundaries for artists.  

“Finally. Someone from the industry who have the courage to speak up. Yung iba natatakot dahil sa power tripping din ng media kaya they choose to stay silent. Thank you, Tuesday and Zaijian. People need to hear this. Respeto gusto ng media pero bastos sa bata and they think that’s okay? No,” one commented.  

“Yes!! Louder please. Let this country be educated by such boundaries,” another added.  

The incident drew attention online earlier this week after Zaijian defended Kanye during the press conference. At the time, Kanye was sharing some of his recent projects, including his appearance in Ang Mutya ng Section E under VIVA. 

The member of the press then asked the young actor, “Pag lumaki ka ba, mag Vi-vivamax ka?” 

Visibly surprised by the question, Kanye immediately replied, “Hindi po.” 

Zaijian then reminded the reporter that Kanye was still a minor and urged everyone to be mindful of the questions directed at him. 

“Underage pa po si Kanye kaya ingat po sa mga ganun tanong,” Zaijian said. 

The member of the press responded, “Pasensya na, joke lang yun.” 

Kanye later took to TikTok to express his gratitude to Zaijian for defending him during the exchange.  

Meanwhile, netizens also voiced their disappointment over the question, with many emphasizing the need to respect boundaries when interviewing artists.