Jake Zyrus defends his voice and calls Charice a deadname

Singer Jake Zyrus rejected criticism of his singing voice after gender reassignment surgery and responded to a comment from a netizen who claimed the singer’s voice was better than Charice Pempengco’s.

Zyrus emphasized the importance of hormone therapy for a trans man’s journey.

The Internet user also compared Zyrus’ voice to that of fellow singer Ice Seguerra, who has not undergone hormone therapy.

“First of all, regarding my past, don’t put my dead name in your stupid mouth. And honey, it’s because he didn’t do hormone therapy. That’s a HUGE part of being a trans man,” Zyrus said.

The singer then suggested that internet users research the topic to gain a better understanding, pointing out that information is available online. Zyrus then playfully pinned the comment.

“I won’t explain the rest because from your comment you sound ignorant. Google is free, my love. I’m going to pin your comment because it seems like you love being the center of attention. So let’s give it to you, love. Have a great day,” Zyrus added.

Before her gender reassignment, Zyrus was known as Charice Pempengco. In 2013, the singer publicly came out as a lesbian. Four years later, Zyrus accepted her transgender identity and took the name Jake Zyrus.

In a 2021 interview, the singer revealed that she struggled with her gender identity even as Charice and how difficult it was to hide it from the public.