Kuya Kim Calls Out Netizen Who Blamed Him for His Daughter’s Passing
KUYA KIM — The TV personality has spoken out after receiving a harsh comment online blaming him for the death of his daughter, Emman Atienza. The comment appeared under Kim’s heartfelt tribute post on TikTok, where he thanked God for the 19 years of Emman’s life and quoted the verse, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
A netizen criticized Kim, saying he was misusing scripture and accusing him of failing in his role as a father. The comment stated that if Kim were truly in Christ, he would be convicted by the Holy Spirit to repent for his shortcomings as a parent. The user further wrote that Emman was left “without the support she needed” from the one who should have been her protector and guide.
In response, Kim firmly called out the commenter as an “evangelical bully.” He explained that his daughter did not make her choice consciously and revealed that Emman had been clinically depressed—a statement that shed light on her silent struggle.
Kim, his wife Felicia, and their children Jose and Eliana confirmed Emman’s passing last Friday through a joint Instagram post. She was only 19 years old.
Days later, her sister Eliana shared her first public message, posting childhood photos with Emman. In her emotional tribute, Eliana wrote, “I miss you with everything that I am.” She reminisced about their shared dreams and wished they could have continued building a better world together. Their father replied, “I love you so much. Tight, tight hug, daughter.”
Over the weekend, Kim and Felicia continued sharing memories of Emman, posting clips of her singing and advocating kindness and mental health awareness. Emman, a model and influencer managed by Sparkle’s “Status,” had gained admiration for her relatable content and strength.
In her final Instagram message earlier in September, she spoke about the pressures of social media and the need to take a break—words that now carry a deeper meaning for her followers.