VICE GANDA apologized after drawing criticism over remarks that some viewers described as “racist” during a segment on “It’s Showtime.”
The backlash stemmed from a “Memerimar” skit in the show’s “Laro Laro Pick” segment featuring Baby Dolls member Johaira.
During the skit on Friday, July 25, Vice Ganda spat water on Johaira’s face before saying, “Anong nangyari sa ’yo? Bakit nagputik ka?”
The comment sparked criticism on social media, with some netizens describing it as “racist” as it likened Johaira’s darker complexion to mud.
Others defended the comedian, arguing that the remark was intended as part of the show’s comedic banter.
During the Saturday, July 26 episode of the noontime show, Vice Ganda acknowledged the complaints from viewers who found some of the show’s jokes offensive the day before.
“Nakarating po sa aming kaalaman na may mga madlang people po na hindi nagustuhan o na-offend sa ilan sa aming jokes o biruan dito sa ‘Showtime,’ pati na rin sa mga ginagawa namin sa Memerimar na they found the jokes offensive or insensitive,” he said.
The comedian said the noontime program’s goal has always been to entertain audiences and not to offend them.
“Gusto lang namin ipaalam po sa inyo na the last thing we want is to displease you o hindi mapasaya ang aming madlang people. Kaya naman, ina-acknowledge po namin ang inyong sentimyento at humihingi po kami ng paumanhin sa inyo,” he added.
Vice Ganda added that the show’s hosts and production team would be more mindful of their jokes moving forward.
“We will try to do better. Maraming maraming salamat po,” he concluded.
Vice Ganda earlier made headlines after he described Kim Chiu’s fans as “cheap” and “entitled” for criticizing him over failing to mention the actress in his acceptance speech at the first Famas Broadcast Awards. (Jessica Ann Evangelista © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
