ABS-CBN show apologizes, blames contractor for use of Dingdong, Marian, Zia pics

An ABS-CBN show has apologized for its unauthorized use of pictures of Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, and their daughter Zia.

In a statement, Ang Probinsyano said "there was no intent to disrespect or offend him and his family in the use of their photos in the program."

"The production team commissioned a third-party contractor to create the photo props used in the program," it said. "It was not aware that the original of the photographs used were those from Mr. Dantes’ wedding and the baptism of his daughter."

Dingdong had written a letter to the show after the incident was unearthed by fans this past weekend.

"Last week, the DongYanatics has brought to my attention that photos of our family were used and altered for a primetime television show," he wrote.

"In two episodes of Ang Probinsyano, our wedding photo and a photo taken during Zia's baptism were edited and featured without the consent of our photographer and our family."

He shared an excerpt of the letter that was sent on August 11.

“I appreciate that you found artistic inspiration from the original photos. Unfortunately, there is the inescapable consequence that legal and moral rights were violated here. And as you may very well be aware of, established industry practice is against such act as it amounts to disrespect. Worst of all, as a father and husband, I cannot help but feel offended and deeply hurt by such actions, which happened not just once, but twice. Basic rules of courtesy in this case dictate that you first secure permission from the photographer and my Family.”

The program said it is conducting a probe to prevent future incidents. —JST, GMA News