Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was abuzz on December 31, with the name “Mark Ian Garcia” dominating discussions due to a controversial video allegedly involving him.
Even comedian and director John Lapus couldn’t resist asking about the trending topic. Early on December 31, he posted, “Mga anak, sino si Mark Ian Garcia?”
Netizens quickly filled him in, describing Mark Ian as a social media personality, TikToker, and model. He once appeared on the TV5 show ‘Eat Bulaga’ and has collaborated with prominent TikTok personality Esnyr Ranollo.
According to reports, the video in question allegedly features Mark Ian and a person referred to as “Daddy J” in a compromising situation. Although the clip has been removed from the platform, it had already spread widely, with some individuals reportedly profiting by selling the video to curious onlookers.
Supporters of Mark Ian, however, claim the video is not authentic and was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
A fan page called MarkNyr Official—a name derived from Mark Ian and Esnyr—released an official statement on December 30, addressing the controversy.
“The video circulating online of Mark Ian Garcia is purely untrue and obviously AI-generated. We strongly condemn this behavior of spreading misinformation as it defames Mark Ian’s integrity, not just as a public servant but as a human being,” the statement read.
The fan page also announced efforts to report accounts spreading the video.
Amid the controversy, Mark Ian appears to remain focused on his role as the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman of Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City. On Instagram Stories, he shared clips of himself distributing noisemakers for the New Year and expressed gratitude for the past year.
In his post, he wrote: “365/366. At my core – last stretch for the year 2024. I have been blessed throughout the year with challenges and successes and always with a grateful heart to share my blessings with others, especially kids. In this often cruel world, be someone who spreads kindness and love.”
As of writing, Mark Ian Garcia has not issued any personal statement regarding the circulating video. However, his comment sections on social media have been limited.
