"Heart Evangelista Defends Viral Post of Dog Wearing PHP11M Bulgari Necklace Amid Criticism"

 

Heart Evangelista recently addressed the controversy surrounding her viral Instagram post featuring her dog, Panda, wearing a multi-million-peso luxury necklace. The post, which garnered significant attention on social media on August 15, 2024, showed Panda adorned with a Serpenti Viper necklace from the luxury jewelry brand Bulgari, valued at PHP11 million.

While many netizens expressed admiration with comments like "sana all," others criticized Heart for what they perceived as a "disrespect" to the craftsmanship of the renowned fashion brand. Some even accused her of being "insecure" and subtly shading Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, who was appointed as Bulgari's Philippine brand ambassador in June 2024. Observant followers noted that the necklace on Heart's dog bore a resemblance to the Serpenti emerald and diamond necklace Pia wore in a post from June, which was estimated to cost between 220,000 to 325,000 Swiss francs (approximately PHP14 million to PHP21 million) according to Sotheby's.

Both the necklace Heart put on her dog and Pia's necklace belong to Bulgari's Serpenti collection. In an interview with "24 Oras" on Friday, August 23, Heart decided to speak up and defend herself against what she described as defamatory accusations.

Heart stated, "I'm a very candid person, I'm very transparent, and honestly, I love my dogs. They are like my children." She also mentioned that this wasn't the first time she had dressed Panda in expensive jewelry, expressing confusion over the backlash. "I wanted to set an example that aspins [Asong Pinoy] are a special breed, so I really spoil her," she explained.

When asked by "24 Oras" entertainment reporter Nelson Canlas if she was aiming to send a message to anyone with her post, Heart dismissed the idea. Although Nelson did not name anyone specifically, it was clear that he was alluding to Pia. Heart clarified that she had purchased the necklace long before Pia became Bulgari's Philippine brand ambassador, and therefore, had no reason to target her.

"The necklace has been mine since the pandemic, so I honestly don't see anything wrong," Heart said. "More than anything, it should be an inspiration to treat the people around you with the best they deserve."

Heart emphasized that she was speaking out not to create noise but to defend herself. "At the end of the day, sometimes you have to fight back," she said. "I've learned that if you're not assertive, people will step on you, so now I bite back, but in a very sweet yet painful way."

This wasn't the first time Heart addressed the issue. On August 18, she went live on Instagram to explain why she had Panda wear the expensive necklace. "I own the necklace, so I can do whatever I want with it," she said. "Basically, Panda owns the necklace, so she can do whatever she wants with it."

Heart also pointed out that putting expensive jewelry on her dog was a practical choice, as Panda would protect it. "Actually, she's the best person to put diamonds on because she'll bite you if you go near her, so it can't be stolen," she explained.

Regarding her decision to spoil her rescued dog, Heart added, "These are aspins or rescued dogs; they deserve the world. So, we elevate their look, and why not? Panda is the true heir, so she can do whatever she wants."