Lance Carr draws ‘karma’ comments tied to Baterbonia tragedy

As the actor begins rehab for torn ACL and MCL ligaments, online backlash raises questions about grief turning into cruelty.

Actor Lance Carr is facing a lengthy road to recovery after suffering torn ACL and MCL ligaments during the “Viva All Star Games 2026.”

Carr sustained the injury early in the match after landing awkwardly from a shot attempt. The incident sparked concern among fans, with reports confirming that the actor would need to undergo rehabilitation. 

But amid the concern came a disturbing wave of online reactions allegedly from fans of the late student-athlete Rene Baterbonia, with some reportedly celebrating Carr’s hospitalization and labeling the injury “karma.”

The comments drew criticism for dragging Baterbonia’s death into Carr’s injury, particularly since Carr is not an Ateneo player anymore and the Viva All Star match was not a UAAP game.

Carr had previously appealed to the public to stop the gossip surrounding Baterbonia’s death and “just let the person rest,” urging respect for the grieving family. He also called the alleged exploitation of the tragedy for clout, profit, and fake news “inhumane” and “outrageous.”

Carr played high school and college varsity basketball for Ateneo de Davao University and has continued showcasing his skills in amateur celebrity tournaments such as the Linear League and Manila Boys Bolero League.

Calling it a basketball player’s “worst nightmare” and his “greatest fear,” Carr expressed heartbreak over the injury but vowed to work through rehabilitation and return stronger. Fans, management, and fellow celebrities, including on-screen partner Aubrey Caraan, have since sent their support.

As Carr begins his own recovery, the backlash raises a bigger question, how far should grief go before it turns into cruelty?

READ: