MANILA, Philippines — Kendra Kramer has defended her parents, Doug and Chesca Kramer, against online criticism that they control their children and take advantage of their involvement in show business and social media.
Kendra, the couple’s eldest daughter, addressed the issue in an Instagram post on Sunday, Aug. 16, saying she decided to speak out on her own.
She said her parents never forced her to pursue show business and have allowed her to maintain her own social life, including her sports and friendships.
Kendra said her parents previously asked whether she genuinely wanted to enter show business, and she told them she wanted to pursue modeling, particularly projects involving her family.
She also explained why her father frequently accompanies her to events, saying she personally asks him to come because she feels more comfortable and secure with her parents, especially since she is still a minor.
Kendra described Doug and Chesca as her role models and said the online criticism has hurt her because it targets people she loves.
Chesca addresses children’s earnings
Chesca separately responded to allegations that she and Doug were using their children for business and advertising activities.
She said her children’s earnings are invested, insured and kept in their respective bank accounts.
Chesca added that Kendra, who is 17, now manages her own money, with payments going directly to her. She said the family only guides Kendra on financial decisions.
She said her two younger children, Scarlett and Gavin, remain informed about their finances.
The family has faced criticism over the years because Kendra and her siblings have frequently appeared in Team Kramer’s social media content and brand collaborations. Some online users have questioned whether the children’s exposure has gone beyond normal family content.
Doug responds to criticism
Doug addressed separate criticism involving his comments about remaining faithful to Chesca despite facing temptations.
He said his remarks had been taken out of context and criticized what he described as the practice of cutting statements into smaller portions to provoke backlash online.
Doug said temptation is a reality but maintained that people can choose how they respond to it.
He said he chooses to remain faithful to Chesca and their children and to keep God at the center of their family.
The Kramers’ responses came as the family faced renewed online discussion about their parenting, business activities and the children’s involvement in public-facing projects.