Sports broadcaster and digital content creator Apple David recently faced intense public scrutiny on social media regarding her relationship with Letran Knights basketball player Chad Gammad.
The pairing ignited widespread debate across multiple online platforms, with netizens heavily focusing on the age gap between the 33-year-old courtside reporter and the 18-year-old collegiate athlete.
Addressing the viral backlash during a TikTok livestream on Monday afternoon, David expressed her deep frustration over the wave of negative commentary and judgment directed at their personal lives.
“Sobrang hirap bang rumespeto ng desisyon ng ibang tao? We’re happy. Supportive ang families namin. Ang pangit lang na we’re happy tas sinisira niyo ang happiness namin,” (Is it so hard to respect other people’s decisions? We’re happy. Our families are supportive. It’s just ugly that we’re happy then you are ruining our happiness,) David said.
The media personality did not hold back against critics who threw severe accusations and labels her way because of the age difference.
“Don’t use words if you don’t know the meaning. Groomer? Predator? Pedophile? Do you guys even know the meaning?” she stated.
Defending the relationship, David emphasized that both of them are consenting adults who are legally capable of choosing their own partners. She clarified that their path only crossed after the athlete had already reached legal age.
“Naiintindihan ko na bata siya but he’s not a minor. I’m not even a groomer, 18 na siya nung nakilala ko siya. Hindi ko naman siya pinalaki,” (I understand that he is young but he’s not a minor. I’m not even a groomer, he was already 18 when I met him. I didn’t raise him,) she explained.
“I also have a choice. Masama ba bigyan ng chance yung 18 year old? Nag-click eh. What am I supposed to do? Gets ko naman na mas bata siya, pero imbes na kwestyunin yung integridad ko, kwestyunin niyo na lang yung intensyon niyo.” (I also have a choice. Is it bad to give an 18-year-old a chance? We clicked. What am I supposed to do? I get that he is younger, but instead of questioning my integrity, just question your own intentions.)