Well-known screenwriter and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee broke his silence after a video of an incident involving him and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s bodyguard circulated online.

It can be seen in the video that while he was trying to greet Wurtzbach, the beauty queen’s bodyguard went in between them and apparently shook his hand afterward while trying to lead Wurtzbach to keep on walking forward.

The National Artist admitted that at first, he was not aware of what happened during the Manila International Book Fair until his assistant showed him the video.

After his realization, he reacted and expressed his thoughts.

Lee shared that the bodyguard may have been a little kinder noting that even Wurtzbach herself acknowledged him and his presence.

“I think medyo naging rude yung guwardiya.”

“Siguro yung guwardiya could have been more gracious. Hindi ko iisipin ang sarili ko. Iisipin ko yung ibang tao”, he added.

He also said that upon disregarding him, the bodyguard also showed disrespect for Wurtzbach.

The screenwriter pointed out, “Hindi kinakailangan na senior or hindi kinakailangang National Artist. Pero kung may taong nilapitan din ni Pia, kinamayan ni Pia, respetuhin niya yung tao at si Pia, kasi kilala ni Pia.”

“So, kawalang respeto yon hindi lang sa akin kundi kay Pia. Hindi in-acknowledge ng guard na in-acknowledge ako ni Pia.”

He then reiterated, “Again, ulitin ko, hindi dahil senior citizen, hindi dahil National Artist. I think maski na sinong tao, maski na bata o estudyante, kung in-acknowledge ni Pia, kinausap at pinasalamatan, huwag niyang itaboy. Iyon ang punto ko.”

With regards to the beauty queen-writer, Lee has nothing but good words for her acknowledgment and graciousness towards him.

Lee and Wurtzbach were both present at that time for the MIBF ribbon cutting.