4th Impact issue apology for backlash over their Shih Tzu pets’ ‘online limos’
4TH IMPACT – The girl group issued an apology following criticism on social media regarding their fundraising efforts to construct a larger kennel for their nearly 200 Shih Tzu pets.
Their fundraising campaign gained widespread attention last March, aiming to collect P5.6 million to purchase a farm for their beloved pets. In a GoFundMe post, 4th Impact member Almira acknowledged that due to the large number of pets, some neighbors had voiced concerns about noise from their kennel, leading them to separate some of their dogs.
Criticism from netizens and experts labeled 4th Impact as irresponsible for expecting their fans to bear the financial burden of their mistakes. This criticism was worsened by their attendance at Taylor Swift’s concert in Singapore.
In a Facebook statement, 4th Impact member Mica Almira announced they would refund the money received from their fans. She emphasized their determination to pursue their dreams and defend their group and family, describing her sisters as remarkable individuals.
The group clarified that their initial five Shih Tzu were not related, and most of their subsequent offspring came from a single male dog. Additionally, they explained that their tickets to Taylor Swift’s World Tour were gifts from their fans. Mica concluded by affirming their commitment to responsible pet ownership and closing this chapter of controversy.
Meanwhile, 4th Impact is a girl group consisting of sisters Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina Cercado. They gained prominence after competing in various talent competitions, including winning the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2006 and 2013. In 2014, they participated in the South Korean talent search Superstar K6, reaching the eighth position. Their journey continued when they auditioned for The X Factor UK in 2015, impressing judges and audiences alike with their rendition of “Bang Bang.” Despite their elimination in the quarter-finals, they garnered significant attention and continued to perform internationally.
Following their X Factor stint, 4th Impact embarked on The X Factor Live Tour and released their debut single, “Unleash The Diva.” They toured extensively, performing in various countries and festivals, including the Paradise International Music Festival in the Philippines. Over the years, they collaborated with international artists, recorded theme songs for movies, and ventured into livestreaming and digital content creation.