Jasmine Curtis-Smith Speaks Out Against Lewd Remarks Toward Women—And Other Celebs Shared Their Thoughts, Too

Women are often expected to endure uncomfortable conversations where they are sexualized and objectified, but actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith is not having any of it nor is she letting such behavior slide, especially when it comes from people in positions of power or authority.

In an Instagram story, the actress stressed that every woman, not just female celebrities, should never be reduced to objects or treated as subjects of men's fantasies.

"When a congressman publicly narrates his 'desire' and imagination about a woman he once saw (or dreams he saw, idk his statements keep changing), it reinforces a culture that treats women as consumable, as spectacle, as fantasy, as objects for commentary rather than as whole human beings with agency, intellect, and autonomy," Jasmine emphasized.

"Public office carries with it the responsibility to elevate discourse, not diminish it. The halls of government should be spaces where women are discussed for their contributions, their ideas, and their leadership—not as imagined scenarios," she added.

The actress called on the public not to excuse such behavior or dismiss it as a "compliment," as people often do. Instead, she urged everyone to help create a safer space where all women are respected.

"Respect is not complicated… accountability must begin with those elected to represent us," she added.

The statement comes after Congressman Bong Suntay drew flak for his sexually suggestive remarks during a House Commitee on Justice deliberation on an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. He made an analogy that thoughts cannot necessarily be punished because they remain in the mind. But instead of making a logical point, the conversation veered into controversy.

"Nasa Shangri-La ako nakita ko si Anne Curtis, ang ganda-ganda pala niya. May desire sa loob ko na nag-init talaga, na-imagine ko na lang kung anong pwedeng mangyari," Bong said.

"Pero siyempre hanggang imagination lang yan. Pero di naman siguro ako pwedeng kasuhan dahil anong may na-imagine ko," he further pointed out.

Congressman Bel Zamora moved to have the statement stricken from the record and immediately called out the male lawmaker, especially in light of Women's Month this March.

In his defense, however, Bong argued that there was nothing sexual about his remarks and that the motion to strike his statement amounted to "censure."

"We are now censuring manifestations which are neither illegal nor immoral. Imagine, we are conducting a hearing. Statements which are neither illegal or immoral can be stricken off the records without any reason, I think that's a terrible precedent," the congressman claimed.

His statements sparked public discourse on gender, highlighting how such statements prejudice women. Many called his remarks sexist and misogynistic, pointing out that it is unacceptable to reduce women to mere objects.

Even celebrities joined the conversation, taking to social media to call out these harmful comments and urge the public not to normalize them.

Sharing the video of the deliberation on X, actress Bianca Gonzalez expressed her disappointment over the "offensive" and "inappropriate" remark, particularly criticizing the lack of remorse from the congressman. 

For Gabbi Garcia, such a statement coming from someone in a position of power is indeed alarming: "We are not here to be reduced to someone's imagination. NAKAKADIRI."

Nadine Lustre timely shared an Instagram post from Linya-Linya, which says, "Nakakainit talaga. Nakakaiinit ng ulo at ng dugo ang mga taong walang habas na ipinangangalandakan ang kabastusan sa mga kababaihan."

Pola Del Monte, founder of Miss Chief Editor, released a statement emphasizing that this incident shows why we need more women leaders in spaces "historically dominated by men," highlighting the unequal power dynamics between genders that often go unchecked.

"The leaders who are speaking up against the lewd remarks about Anne Curtis show us why it's necessary to have women in positions of power. Women in leadership are more likely to recognize, name, and challenge behavior that others might dismiss or normalize," she explained.

She added, "By refusing to stay silent, they challenge the long-standing tendency to excuse or minimize such conduct, especially when it comes from those in positions of power. On a smaller scale, they show how ordinary citizens should react to unwanted behaviors: sexist remarks should never just be ignored."