Joel Lamangan was asked about the recent issue in showbiz
Veteran director Joel Lamangan said that harassment in showbiz is not a new issue anymore as this has been existing for many years already.
The entertainment industry “shookt” the public after Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach filed a complaint against GMA independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz. This prompted singer-actor Gerald Santos to resurfaced because of the alleged harassment he received from a musical director when he was just 15 years old.
Even unnamed male talent-news researcher in TV5 filed a complaint against a program director, who was reportedly terminated.
In a recent interview, based on the article in PEP, Joel Lamangan was asked to react to these harassment issues in showbiz.
The veteran filmmaker said that this kind of issue has been lingering in the industry for many years already but they were not just revealed. “Panahon pa ng kopong-kopong, meron na yun. Ilang mga artista na naging leading man at sumikat, na nanggaling sa bading. Andami!” Joel revealed.
He also said that before, these incidents were just “secrets” and it was just recently when issues publicly surfaced. “Matagal na ang mga ganyan, luma na ang mga kasong yan. Hindi naman yan bago,” he added.
Joel also shared that he personally knows Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz. The director said that these GMA independent contractors are “mabait” and that they are not “balahura.” He also said that he pities Dode or Richard Cruz.
Actor Jim Pebanco, who is part of Joel Lamangan’s new movie Bayad Puri, said that indeed these harassments happen in showbiz and sometimes the victims are female celebrities.
The actor said that this has become a stepping stone for many if they want to be known right away. He also said that in order to establish a career in showbiz, some would grab this as an opportunity for their dream and their aim to be famous.