Showtime Searchee Axel Cruz Speaks on “Nakaw na Halik” Issue during Segment
Showtime searchee Axel Cruz issued a statement clarifying the “nakaw na halik” issue during a segment of the show.
One of the longest-running noontime variety shows in the Philippines is It’s Showtime. Throughout its airing, it has entertained countless Filipinos with different segments. It is currently running the Expecially For You segment.
In the said segment, a searcher appears with an ex-lover, a friend, or a family member. There are three (3) searchees that he/she can choose from based on who impresses him/her with the answers to the given questions.
For many times, an episode of Expecially For You went viral on social media and gathered different reactions. Recently, an episode of the show hooked the netizens after Vice Ganda scolded one of the unchosen searchees to ask for permission before allegedly trying to steal a kiss.
Maria Christine appeared with her ex-boyfriend Derick in the show. One of the searchees was Axel Cruz but Christine chose another searchee. When he was given the chance to give a parting message for her, he approached her for a high-five and moved his face closer to hers. It appeared like he was about to kiss her so Vice reacted.
Surprised, the comedian-TV host told Axel that it is not allowed and “that’s bad”. He also told him not to do it and to ask for persmission.
“Alam mo bang pwede kang mademanda sa ginagawa mo? Don’t do that, hindi ka pwedeng biglang nagnanakaw ng halik,” Vice told Axel.
Following that scene, Axel Cruz earned a lot of negative criticisms from the netizens online. Amid the bashing, he issued a statement clarifying that it was not his intention to steal a kiss from her.
According to the Showtime searchee, he would supposedly do the “BroCode” in which after the hand shake, their arms will move closer like what men usually do when greeting each other. He explained that the angle taken by the camera made it appear like he was forcing her.
Axel appealed to the netizens to stop sending hate messages and posting uncut versions of the episode. He also expressed his gratitude to everyone who expressed support to him.
The Showtime searchee apologized to the public if he did something wrong based on other people’s view. He also said sorry to Christine if she was surprised or she felt like he was attempting to kiss her. In his post, he clarified that it was not his intention. He ended his post thanking the Showtime cast for the opportunity to be a part of the segment.