‘The Lord Gave and Took Away’: Kim Atienza Responds to Cruel Comments About Daughter’s Death

Television personality Kim Atienza has spoken out against an online commenter who cruelly blamed him for the death of his 19-year-old daughter, Emman, in what has become a deeply emotional and widely discussed moment about grief, faith, and compassion.

Atienza — known to many as Kuya Kim — recently took to social media to express gratitude and strength amid the family’s heartbreaking loss. Quoting the verse from Job 1:21, he wrote:

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

It was a post meant to reflect acceptance and surrender to God’s will, but it unexpectedly drew an unkind remark from a netizen who accused him and his wife, Felicia Hung Atienza, of “falling short as parents.”

The TV host, who has long been admired for his calm demeanor and wisdom, didn’t stay silent. Instead, he responded with honesty, defending his daughter’s memory and exposing the cruelty behind careless online behavior.

💔 A Father’s Pain and Strength

In his response, Kim Atienza revealed for the first time that his daughter, Emman, had been clinically depressed and had bravely battled bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD.

“You don’t know our story. You don’t know how hard my daughter fought,” he said. “What you said was cruel and heartless — you are an evangelical bully hiding behind religion.”

His statement resonated with thousands, striking a chord with parents and advocates who understand the complexities of mental health.

Atienza’s words weren’t angry — they were protective, compassionate, and deeply human. He reminded the public that grief should never be met with judgment, and that mental illness requires empathy, not condemnation.

“Emman was light and love,” he added. “She was brave enough to share her struggles openly, and she helped many others feel less alone.”

🙏 Faith Amid Tragedy

Despite the pain, Kim and Felicia have chosen to hold on to their faith. Their posts reflect not despair, but gratitude — for the 19 years they had with their daughter, for the memories that will never fade, and for the grace to endure.

Felicia’s tribute to Emman, shared on Instagram, moved countless hearts. Posting photos of her daughter from a past shoot, she wrote:

“Bravest hearts build others — not break them. #choosekindness.”

The message quickly became a rallying cry among supporters, celebrities, and mental health advocates who shared the post to remind others of the importance of kindness, especially online.

Even in her grief, Felicia echoed the family’s core message — that compassion and empathy are more powerful than hate.

🌹 An Outpouring of Love and Support

The Atienzas’ openness has been met with an outpouring of love from fans and fellow celebrities. Messages of comfort flooded their social media pages, with many praising Kim for standing up to the cruelty that too often festers online.

Broadcaster Karen Davila wrote: “Kuya Kim, your faith and courage in this time of pain inspire so many. Thank you for reminding us to lead with compassion.”

Actor Gary Valenciano commented, “Your words reflect strength and humility. Praying for you and your family.”

On social media, the hashtags #ChooseKindness and #ForEmman began trending, as thousands of netizens shared their own stories of loss and healing. Many said Emman’s openness about her mental health struggles had encouraged them to seek help.

“She made me realize that being open about depression doesn’t make you weak,” one user wrote. “It makes you brave.”

💬 Mental Health and the Weight of Words

Emman Atienza’s passing has once again reignited conversations about mental health awareness and responsibility on social media. Experts and advocates warn that harsh or judgmental comments can worsen the pain of those already grieving — or struggling themselves.

“People sometimes hide behind faith or moral superiority to justify their cruelty,” said psychologist Dr. Margarita Sison, in a statement to CNN Philippines. “But the truth is, words can heal or destroy. Kim’s response reminds us that empathy must always come first.”

Mental health organizations in the Philippines also shared messages urging people to educate themselves on depression and to stop stigmatizing those who suffer from it.

“It’s time we treat mental illness with the same compassion as physical illness,” said the advocacy group Mindstrong PH. “The Atienza family’s courage to speak out is helping change that narrative.”

🌼 Emman’s Legacy Lives On

Before her passing, Emman had been open about her experiences with bipolar disorder and her journey toward self-awareness. Through social media, she had inspired young people to embrace healing and authenticity.

“She was wise beyond her years,” Felicia wrote. “She had the biggest heart — always helping others, even while she was struggling herself.”

Friends described Emman as creative, thoughtful, and fiercely kind. Her life, though short, touched many who saw in her a reflection of courage — someone who didn’t hide her pain, but turned it into purpose.

The Atienza family plans to continue her advocacy by supporting mental health awareness campaigns and encouraging conversations about kindness online.

“Emman wanted people to understand that healing is not linear,” Kim shared. “That message will live on.”

💫 A Call for Compassion

As the family continues to grieve, Kim’s message echoes far beyond the entertainment industry. His stand against online cruelty has become a wake-up call for many — a reminder that faith should never be used as a weapon, and that compassion must always outweigh judgment.

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away,” he repeated. “We praise His name, even through tears. But please — let’s be kinder to one another. We never know what someone is going through.”

His words, rooted in humility and strength, capture the true meaning of faith — not in preaching, but in loving.

For Kim and Felicia, honoring their daughter means more than remembering her life; it means continuing her mission to spread light, empathy, and understanding.

As one fan poignantly wrote, “Kuya Kim may have lost a daughter, but the world gained a powerful reminder: kindness costs nothing, but it can save a life.”