PBB’s Cianne faces online backlash as netizens drag children into parents’ controversies

Should celebrity kids like Cianne Dominguez, Michelle Garcia, Erica Paredes bear the brunt of their parents’ controversies?

In showbiz, a celebrity’s controversy can quickly become a family affair. And sometimes, the people caught in the crossfire are the ones who had nothing to do with the original issue.

Just ask Cianne Dominguez.

The “Pinoy Big Brother Collab 3.0” housemate is facing online criticism over her father Johng Florendo’s controversial “cat hunting” posts from 2025. Florendo drew backlash for social media posts about taking his dog “cat hunting,” which critics viewed as making light of harm to stray cats.

In April 2026, Cianne addressed the resurfaced controversy, saying her father had already apologized for what he described as a “bad joke.” She also apologized to those who remained upset over the issue.

“yung anak ng ANIMAL ABUSER. never forget yung tatay nya na amoy baho may pa release ng statement na joke lang yon? nah NEVER FORGET!!!” one netizen wrote.

Cianne’s experience reflects a recurring pattern in celebrity culture: controversies involving public figures can spill over to their children, even when the latter had no involvement in the original incident.

Others caught in family controversies

Michelle Garcia, daughter of Patrick Garcia

Michelle, 13, received online backlash following Patrick Garcia’s September 29, 2026, interview with showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz about his past relationship with actress Jennylyn Mercado. Their breakup happened in 2008, before Michelle was born.

Amid the controversy, Jennylyn’s talent agency, Aguila Entertainment, urged the public to stop the hate and refrain from bashing Patrick’s family, particularly Michelle. Michelle’s talent agency, Star Magic, also condemned the hurtful comments directed at the young actress and warned that it could take action against continued harassment.

Erica Paredes, daughter of Jim Paredes

In April 2019, singer Jim Paredes admitted that a leaked private video circulating online was real and apologized for his actions.

Around the same time, his daughter Erica announced that she was taking a break from her personal social media accounts, citing “too much toxic energy.” She thanked friends and followers who reached out to support her, adding, “We are dealing with it.”

Although Erica did not explicitly link her decision to her father’s controversy, reports at the time connected the timing of her announcement to the scandal. Her experience illustrates how a parent’s highly publicized controversy can affect family members beyond the person directly involved.

Should children bear the consequences?

Public figures can be questioned about their own actions and responses to controversy. However, being related to someone does not automatically make a person responsible for that individual’s behavior.

There is a difference between holding a parent accountable and directing hostility at their child. While Cianne and Michelle faced criticism connected to their fathers’ controversies, Erica’s experience highlights how family members may also have to navigate the fallout privately.

As celebrity family controversies continue to circulate online, the question remains: Should children have to answer for their parents’ actions, or should they be judged on their own?

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