Vice Ganda Reportedly Goes on Vacation as Criticism Continues to Grow
VICE GANDA – Following an MTRCB summons and mounting backlash from netizens, Vice Ganda is said to be stepping away from It’s Showtime for a brief vacation.
Vice Ganda is reportedly taking a short break from television following the controversy surrounding an “insensitive” and “offensive” joke delivered during the “Memerimar” skit on It’s Showtime that aired on July 24.
The temporary break comes after the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) summoned the producers of the noontime program to address the incident involving the popular comedian and television host.
The controversy began when Vice Ganda sprayed water on Johaira Moris, a member of the It’s Showtime girl group “Baby Dolls,” during the comedy segment. The moment quickly drew criticism from viewers online, with many netizens expressing disappointment over what they considered an offensive act.
After spraying water on Johaira’s face, Vice asked, “Anong nangyari sa’yo? Bakit nagputik ka?” The remark immediately sparked backlash on social media, with many users calling it inappropriate and insensitive.
The issue was discussed during the latest episode of Showbiz Updates on Friday, July 31, where entertainment personalities talked about Vice Ganda’s recent absence from an episode of It’s Showtime.
According to entertainment host Ogie Diaz, Vice is expected to take a week-long vacation to rest and recover from the intense public scrutiny.
“Ang alam ko, one week ‘ata siyang magbabakasyon. Kumbaga, pahinga lang. Kung ako, manager ni Vice, ‘yon din ang sasabihin ko sa kaniya. ‘Magpahinga ka muna para mag-recharge ka ulit; para magmuni-muni,” said Ogie.
Ogie added that although Vice Ganda has not been physically attacked, the television star has been enduring relentless criticism from netizens, which can also take a significant emotional toll.
He also pointed out that some critics have revisited past controversies involving Vice, including the comedian’s old rape joke directed at Kapuso award-winning broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, which resurfaced amid the current issue.
Meanwhile, Ogie believes the MTRCB summons may have influenced Vice Ganda’s decision to temporarily step away from the noontime show.
“Feeling ko,” the showbiz insider said, “may kinalaman ‘yon. Kaya sabi ko nga, tama lang na magbakasyon si Vice kahit one week lang…para magkaroon din ng pahinga ‘yong mga netizen sa kaba-bash sa kaniya.”
Before taking a break, Vice Ganda had already issued a public apology after receiving criticism over the controversial joke, acknowledging the concerns raised by viewers, while the issue continues to be discussed by the public.
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