MANILA, Philippines — The management of “It’s Showtime” denied speculation that host Vice Ganda had been suspended amid pending complaints before the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
The speculation followed Vice Ganda’s recent absence from the noontime program. The comedian last appeared on the show on July 28.
“It’s not true!” a program executive told Bandera, adding that Vice Ganda is currently on vacation. The executive did not say when the host would return.
The MTRCB summoned the producers of “It’s Showtime” on July 28 after receiving complaints over the program’s July 24 episode featuring Vice Ganda and Baby Dolls member Johaira in a “Memerimar” skit.
The episode drew criticism over a scene in which Vice Ganda spat water on Johaira’s face and said, “Anong nangyari sa ’yo? Bakit nagputik ka?”
Some netizens described the remark as racist and colorist. Vice Ganda later apologized publicly for the incident.
Another scene that drew criticism showed Vice Ganda’s partner, Ion Perez, feeding the comedian porridge.
The MTRCB has since met with the show’s producers and directed them to respond to the complaints.
The board has not announced any suspension of Vice Ganda in connection with the complaints.
