A Miss Grand Philippines 2025 candidate has released a statement after drawing backlash online for using live butterflies as props during the preliminary evening gown segment.
During the evening gown portion, Arianne Villarreal, who represents Caloocan City, could be seen holding butterflies before releasing them into the air as part of her walk.
‘May buhay din sila’
A video captured by the entertainment page Circle of Stars showed that some butterflies were left on the floor. The page also claimed that a few were stomped on and abandoned.
“Ilan sa kanila ay namatay at natapak-tapakan ng ilang kandidata sa kompetisyon. Ang ilan naman sa mga naka-survive na paruparo ay hinayaan na lamang ng team ni Arianne. Ang aming team pa ang nagkusang maghanap ng garden upang hindi matapakan ang isang buhay na paruparong nakita namin,” the page said.
The candidate’s act drew the ire of some viewers who condemned it as “cruelty.”
A Facebook user said it also “left a really bad taste for many” of them watching.
“I just can’t stay silent about what Miss Grand Caloocan, Arianne Villareal, did during her evening gown walk. Using live butterflies as props, holding them by their fragile wings, and then carelessly throwing them in the air? That’s not art, that’s cruelty. These are living creatures, not accessories for a pageant performance,” a Facebook user said.
“What’s worse is how unbothered she looked in the video—like their suffering meant nothing. Some butterflies died, some were stepped on, and the survivors were just left behind by her team. This isn’t creativity. This isn’t advocacy. This is pure insensitivity,” he added.
“Respect life, no matter how small it is. Butterflies are symbols of beauty and freedom, not disposable props for ‘drama’ on stage,” the Facebook user also said.
‘About the butterfly moment’
“Butterflies have always been a symbol of beauty, growth, and new beginnings. Growing up in the Philippines, I would often see butterflies released during weddings and special occasions, a gesture of hope, freedom, and transformation,” Villareal wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday, August 19.
“When I stepped on stage, my intention was to bring that same symbolism of metamorphosis and positivity. It came from a place of creativity and meaning, never with the intention to cause harm,” she added.
The candidate also acknowledged the criticisms over her decision to incorporate the live butterflies into her walk.
“If the moment may have been seen differently by some, I sincerely understand and respect those feelings,” Villareal said.
“Pageantry is about learning, evolving, and celebrating individuality. This experience reminded me that expression can come in many meaningful ways,” she added.
“At the end of the day, butterflies remind us that no matter how others see us, we can always grow, transform, and spread our wings with grace,” the contestant said.
Despite her explanation, some social media users said Villarreal should take accountability instead of justifying her act.
“I think the right response should have been an apology rather than a justification…Butterflies are living creatures, not props. Using them in an evening gown is not only inappropriate, but it is also unethical and irrelevant,” an online user commented on her Facebook post.
“As someone in pageantry, every choice you make reflects not only on you but also on the values you represent. That’s why accountability matters here,” the online user added, while pointing out that Villareal could still be responsible for it.
“So many flowery words, yet not a single sorry. No apology, no accountability. This will forever mark you, and people will remember you for it. Jinustify mo pa, bakit hindi ka na lang magpakumbaba?” another said.
Other online users also shared that butterflies have fragile wings, pointing out how the candidate handled the winged creatures.
“Teh naka-cage [ang] mga butterflies na ginagamit para pakawalan sa mga weddings or other events. Sayo hawak hawak mo lang, pinahirapan mo. Di ka na naawa. Maiksi lang buhay ng butterflies kinawawa mo pa, hindi freedom yun,” a Facebook user said.
“Butterflies’ wings are so fragile tapos ginanun mo lang?” an online user commented.
“You were holding the butterflies, stressed the[m] out, and killed them,” another said.
According to an article, butterfly wings are thin and have living tissues needed for flight and survival.
The preliminary competition of Miss Grand Philippines was held at Okada Manila on August 17.
The grand finals of Miss Grand Philippines will take place on Sunday, August 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
