Multi-awarded singer Lea Salonga became the center of discussion on Sunday night when a video posted on Twitter showed her declining her fans’ request to have selfies inside her dressing room after a performance of “Here Lies Love” on Broadway.
In the video, the Miss Saigon actress was quick to say sorry and ask the fans to leave her dressing room. She then instructed them to go to the designated area for taking photos, explaining why she could not accommodate them inside the holding area.
“Unless you are on the guest list, we cannot have you back here. So, you have to go to the door. ‘Cause if I allow this now, then other people will take advantage of this,” Salonga said.
One fan even identified herself as a “friend” of Filipino actress G Tongi, who was said to be co-producing the event where Lea would be performing.
“My friend, G Tongi, who [was] the co-producer of this show,” the woman was caught saying on the video.
“But you are not on the guest list. Can you wait for me at the door? I’m really sorry…I’ll see you at the door. But don’t go outside. Stay inside the door,” answered Salonga.
Breaking her silence on the issue, the 52-year-old Tony winner replied to one of the comments on the Twitter thread of the viral video, saying she had checked it with G Tongi who denied knowing the fan.
“I checked in with G [Tongi] after this happened, she had no idea who they were,” said the Broadway singer.
In a separate post, she underscored the value of artists’ personal space saying, “Just a reminder… I have boundaries. Do not cross them. Thank you.”
Salonga also shared a video interview where she explained the reasons behind her decision to set boundaries as an artist.