Fifth Solomon bows out as Hoesik co-owner

Fifth Solomon. Photo from Fifth Solomon/X

Fifth Solomon announced Monday that he “will pull out” from Hoesik as co-owner following heavy backlash online over posts made on the queer club’s social media accounts and allegations of previous unsavory behavior.

“I will pull out na din sa @HoesikMnl totally,” Solomon posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I’m not part owner anymore. So continue to support the Production, the Queens and all the Staff.”

Solomon’s lengthy apology came after a full night of back-and-forth with social media users, including some members of Club Euphoria, a queer collective that previously hosted events at Hoesik. It also came after a Change.org petition calling for his removal as Drag Race Philippines' creative director hit more than 2,500 signatures.

“I just wanna apologize sa mga nasabi ko out of anger. Kahit gaano pa ako nasaktan, I know na mali yung sinabi ko, especially the comments about appearance and money. I know that wasn’t nice.. It came from a place of pain, but that doesn’t excuse it,” he said.

(I just want to apologize for the things I've said out of anger. No matter how hurt I was, I know what I said was wrong, especially the comments about appearance and money. I know that wasn't nice. It came from a place of pain, but that doesn't excuse it.)

He added, “I know I need to work on how I respond to hate… hindi lahat kailangan patulan. I’m learning to protect my peace, kahit sa katahimikan.”

(I know I need to work on how I respond to hate. I do not need to respond to everything. I'm learning to protect my peace, even in silence.)

Solomon also apologized to Club Euphoria resident DJ Edgy Teresa, saying she “did not deserve that” and that he knows she was “just want[ed] to make it (Hoesik) a safe space.”

Edgy shared screenshots of her conversation with Solomon where the former Hoesik co-owner made fun of her looks and livelihood.

Hoesik also apologized in a separate post on social media, saying that “an apology alone is not enough.”

“While we continue to support Fifth as he navigates his own personal journey, we want to be clear: We do not condone any behaviour that causes harm or makes others feel unsafe,” Hoesik said in a statement.

The club said it has made “internal changes … real, lasting adjustments” to its operations, although it did not specify what concrete actions were being taken.

“Moving forward, we will be even more intentional and aggressive in fostering safe, inclusive environments: not just in words, but through action and accountability,” Hoesik said.