One concern of Lea Salonga, drawing from her own experience as a performing artist, has been the need for safe spaces for celebrities.

Talking to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Lea conceded there may be people who would say, “‘Ginusto mo yan, sa showbiz ka, you have to give yourself up to whatever, whatever.’”

But she insisted, forcefully, “No, we did not ask for a lack of privacy. We do not ask for loss of privacy. We do not ask for our safe spaces to be violated.

“We do not ask for, when we are actual human beings, for that space to be invaded.”

PEP.ph interviewed Lea during the unveiling of her wax figure for Madame Tussauds Singapore at the Solaire Resort & Casino in Parañaque City on Friday, September 13, 2024.

LEA SALONGA: RESPECT CELEBRITIES’ PRIVACY

Lea emphasized, “I mean, this part is my opinion only, the only thing that celebrities owe anyone: excellent performances.

“And you know, pride in the representation that they are able to offer.”

Venting, she added, “But, we don’t sign up to be rushed, or invaded… There is a time and a space for everything.”

Lea was goaded to speak about respect for celebrities’ privacy after members of the girl group BINI shared their experiences with fans accessing their hotel floor after a concert.

In July 2024, BINI member Aiah aired via Instagram Stories her disappointment with individuals invading her personal time, including publicly sharing her current location.

In August 2024, BINI’s Gwen made headlines after voicing her dismay on X (formerly Twitter) regarding fans accessing the group’s hotel floor and knocking on their rooms during their stay in Canada.

Learning about what happened to Gwen, Lea said, “When I was reading that, I think, there were people or there were fans who got up to the floor of her [hotel]…

“That is a total, absolute no-no—the minute they enter an elevator and head up to their hotel rooms.

“That’s off-limits! Off-limits except to people in their close circle, management, family, and friends. Because we need a space where we can be human beings.”

Speaking her mind, Lea hoped that her support and call for safe spaces for celebrities would raise greater awareness about the issue.

And she also hoped to meet all the members of BINI.

Lea said, “To Gwen, I’m so sorry that what happened to you, happened to you.

“But I’m hoping that in my support of you… just know that I support you and I support you being loud about setting your boundaries and also setting what your safe spaces are.

“And I hope to get to meet you and the other members of BINI someday.”