From proud Filipina to half-Spanish? Shay Mitchell remarks draw flak

Photo from shaymitchell/Instagram

In 2013, Shay Mitchell said that her diverse appearance meant she could easily claim to be half-Japanese or half-Black, and people would believe her. But this time, she seems to add Spanish to her roots.

Recent comments by the “You” actress on her reality show “Thirst,” which premiered on HBO Max last May, have sparked controversy.

During an episode featuring drink experts, a variety of cocktails and bars in the West, Mitchell shared that her father is Irish and her mother is Spanish, omitting any mention of her Filipino heritage.

“You know what my background is? My dad’s Irish, my mom’s Spanish,” Mitchell said on the show, which has raised eyebrows among fans and followers. This statement stands in stark contrast to her previous acknowledgments of her Filipino roots.

In 2021, the Filipino Canadian actress was tapped to voice Alexandra Trese, the fierce heroine of the animated series “Trese.” The “Pretty Little Liars” star expressed that the role brought her closer to her mother’s Filipino heritage.

During the same conversation with Inquirer.net about “Trese,” Mitchell even said, “I grew up in Canada, but spent time in the Philippines growing up. No matter how much time I spent there though, it always felt like a visit. But working on this project, it made me feel closer to my mom’s heritage, like I am more a part of the community.”

Furthermore, many recalled that Mitchell’s mother, Precious Garcia, is from Pampanga, making Shay half-Filipino, with comments stating “Girl your mom is Filipino.”

This inconsistency has led to confusion and disappointment among her fans. During her visit to the Philippines in 2013, Mitchell openly discussed her challenges with embracing her Filipino background, emphasizing it as a significant and unique aspect of her identity. She shared her experiences of feeling different and the journey of acceptance, highlighting how her Filipino heritage has shaped her perspectives and contributed to her individuality.

In 2013, Mitchell further reminisced a moment saying that “My Filipino family made me perform at every wedding when I was a kid!”

The recent comments on “Thirst” have left fans questioning the shift in her narrative. In a previous report, Mitchell acknowledged her mother as Filipina and mentioned that she is a second cousin to renowned Filipino Broadway singer Lea Salonga.

As the “Pretty Little Liars” actress’ remarks continue to draw flak from netizens, she remains quiet about the issue.