OPM singer-songwriter Maki has spoken publicly for the first time about a sexual harassment incident he experienced as a teenager auditioning for the entertainment industry.
On Thursday, in an interview with Boy Abunda, the 23-year-old artist recalled that when he was 15, he attended an audition without telling his parents, hoping to surprise them.
Maki said he was locked in a room with one person, who asked him to perform acting, singing, and dancing before shifting to inappropriate questions.
“I don’t even know if my parents know this. After the audition, the person started asking me questions that were not appropriate for children, he said.
When asked if he felt verbally and sexually harassed, Maki answered, “Opo, yes po,” adding that he initially believed the questions were part of the audition process. He said he excused himself to go to the restroom and left without returning.
“I was crying in the jeep on the way home. Not because of what the person did, but because I thought maybe I’m not ready yet for this dream,” he added.
Maki clarified there was no physical contact during the incident. He did not name the individual involved.
Known for hits such as “Dilaw,” “Namumula” and “Bughaw,” Maki is set to release his album “Kolorcoaster” on Sept. 19.
