Iza Calzado saddened by ‘sensitivity’ over her costume: ‘I had no political agenda’

Actress Iza Calzado on Sunday addressed the negative reaction to her Imelda Marcos costume for Tim Yap's birthday party and the posts she made about it. In a series of tweets, Calzado said that she was shocked at the intense reaction to her remarks and costume.

"Opinionated and sensitive about EVERYTHING.. even a PARTY COSTUME! Is this the kind of society we want? A greatly divided nation?" she wrote in one tweet.

Nakakalungkot that in today's society, people have become so divided, politically, that they've become so opinionated and sensitive

— Izadora Calzado (@MissIzaCalzado) January 22, 2017

Opinionated and sensitive about EVERYTHING.. even a PARTY COSTUME! Is this the kind of society we want? A greatly divided nation?

— Izadora Calzado (@MissIzaCalzado) January 22, 2017

Calzado also clarified that she did not intend to disrespect victims of human rights violations during the Martial Law era. Neither does she hold Imelda Marcos in high regard, she said.

"I never stated that I idolize Imelda. I clearly stated that I channeled a part of her, which I resonate with, love for shoes and terno," the actress explained.

I never stated that I idolize Imelda. I clearly stated that I channeled a part of her, which I resonate with, love for shoes and terno.

— Izadora Calzado (@MissIzaCalzado) January 22, 2017

I posted that without malice or any intention of hurting the victims of Martial Law. No political agenda. I stay away from political posts.

— Izadora Calzado (@MissIzaCalzado) January 22, 2017

Calzado wrapped up her response by urging people to look towards a "brighter" and "unified" future. To those she unintentionally offended, the actress offered an apology of sorts.

Yes, we must never forget our history but we should also live in the present and look towards a bright future. A unified future.

— Izadora Calzado (@MissIzaCalzado) January 22, 2017

Kung may nasaktan man ako, patawad. Again, my intention was never to hurt or offend you. This will be my last tweet about this. Peace.

— Izadora Calzado (@MissIzaCalzado) January 22, 2017

Calzado's fans replied with words of encouragement, while some insisted that her choice of costume was distasteful—likening it to wearing a Nazi costume.

Calzado said she will not give any further comments on the subject. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News