MANILA, Philippines — "It's Showtime" host Vice Ganda apologized Saturday to viewers offended by remarks made to dancer Johaira during the show's "Memerimar" segment.
The controversy came from a live episode where Vice Ganda spat water onto the face of Johaira, a member of the show's resident dance group, Baby Dolls, as part of a slapstick routine. Moments later, the host commented, "Anong nangyari sa 'yo? Ba't nagputik ka?" ("What happened to you? Why do you look like you're covered in mud?")
Clips of the incident drew criticism from viewers who argued the remark targeted Johaira's skin tone and crossed the line from comedy to humiliation.
In an official statement released on social media on July 25, the television host directly addressed the public's grievances.
"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 ginagawa namin sa 'Memerimar,'" Vice Ganda said.
("It has come to our attention that some of our viewers were offended or displeased by some of our jokes here on 'Showtime,' as well as what we do in 'Memerimar.'")
The host emphasized that offending viewers was never the production's intent.
"They found the jokes offensive or insensitive... the last thing we want is to displease you o hindi mapasaya ang aming Madlang People," Vice Ganda added. "Kaya naman ina-acknowledge namin ang inyong sentimyento at humihingi po kami ng paumanhin sa inyo and we will try to do better."
(The last thing we want is to displease you or fail to make our audience happy. That is why we acknowledge your sentiments, sincerely apologize to you, and we will try to do better.")
Following the statement, several social media users praised the host for acknowledging the mistake and taking swift accountability. Neither Johaira nor the management of ABS-CBN has issued separate statements regarding the incident as of posting.
