Comedian and main host Vice Ganda issued an on-air apology after a comedic skit drew criticism from viewers, who raised concerns over jokes perceived as insensitive and carrying colorist undertones.
The controversy arose during the show’s “Laro Laro Pick” segment, where Vice Ganda appeared in character for a “Memerimar” skit featuring Johaira Morris, a member of the show’s resident dance group Baby Dolls.
As part of a physical comedy routine, Vice Ganda spat water onto Morris’s face before quipping, “Anong nangyari sa ‘yo? Bakit nagputik ka?” (“What happened to you? Why did you turn into mud?”)
Netizens were divided: while some fans viewed the interaction as lighthearted banter consistent with the host’s signature comedic style, many criticized the remark as insensitive, pointing out that comments linking darker skin tones to dirt or mud perpetuate harmful colorist tropes.
Recognizing the growing backlash, Vice Ganda took time before the broadcast closed to address the viewers—affectionately known as the Madlang People—directly.
“Nakarating po sa aming kaalaman na may mga Madlang Pipol po na hindi nagustuhan o na-offend sa ilan sa aming mga jokes o biruan dito sa ‘Showtime,’ pati na rin sa mga ginagawa namin sa ‘Memerimar’ that they found the jokes offensive or insensitive,” Vice shared.
“Gusto lang namin ipaalam po sa inyo na the last thing we want is to displease you o hindi mapasaya ang aming Madlang Pipol. Kaya naman, ina-acknowledge po namin ang inyong sentimyento at humihingi po kami ng paumanhin sa inyo. And we will try to do better.” said Vice.
(Photo source: ABS-CBN)
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