Netizens call for Lala to go over Joey de Leon’s joke
Trigger Warning: Mention of Suicide
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) is set to go over complaints filed against “E.A.T.,” following host Joey de Leon’s joke about lubid.
The veteran host made headlines on Saturday, September 23, after some viewers were disturbed by his allegedly ill-meaning joke during the “Gimme 5” segment of the noontime program.
IMAGE: angpoetnyo on Instagram
During the game, a contestant was asked to enumerate five things that can be worn around the neck. With time restraints, the contestant was not able to come up with any other stuff—only necklace.
Joey de Leon then quips, “Lubid, lubid, nakalimutan niyo,” which then drew heavy reactions from the netizens due to its suicide-triggering tendency.
MTRCB to review “E.A.T.”
The massive backlash together with insistent calls for review then prompted the MTRCB to conduct a run-through.
On Monday, September 25, the regulatory board has published a press release that reads, (published as is):
“Taking cognizance of the complaints from the viewing public in relation to E.A.T Gimme 5 segment aired last 23 September 2023, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) shall determine if the same are valid and presumably violative of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and/or its Implementing Rules and Regulations.”
“E.A.T.” apologizes for Joey de Leon’s “lubid” joke
“E.A.T.,” on the other hand, has already issued a statement—a physical letter addressed to the chairperson and is obtained by Inquirer.net.
The letter reads, “We are writing to formally explain an incident that occurred last September 23, 2023 during E.A.T.’s Gimme 5 segment involving one of our hosts, Mr. Joey De Leon.
“During the incident, Mr. Joey De Leon suggested ‘lubid’ (rope) as an answer to a question regarding things that may be worn around the neck. He conveyed this verbally in a very brief manner without further actions, elaborations, or demonstrations.
“However, some viewers interpreted the utterance of the said object to be an insinuation of suicide, which is a very sensitive and triggering subject.
“In this regard, the whole ‘E.A.T.’ management is regretful and apologetic to those who were offended by the said utterance. Rest assured that we are one with MTRCB in advocating a responsible viewing experience for the public.”
The letter is signed by Jeny Ferre, Head of Creatives and Production Operations of the noontime program.
READ: Noontime show "EAT" production apologizes over host Joey de Leon's "lubid" joke on Sept. 23. | @MAgerINQ pic.twitter.com/cmTGa044na
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 27, 2023
READ ALSO: MTRCB Summons “E.A.T.” Over Wally Bayola’s Profanity
Will “E.A.T.” get the same verdict as “It’s Showtime?”
The netizens’ demand for review was also attributed to the 12-day suspension that the MTRCB imposed on the noontime program “It’s Showtime,” which is a rival program of “E.A.T.”
MTRCB is currently helmed by Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio—daughter of former Senator Tito Sotto, who is also a mainstay of “E.A.T.”
Lala and the regulatory board have faced heavy backlash a month ago after the imposition of a 12-day suspension period on the Kapamilya program.
The order, however, will only take effect after proceedings and final verdict from MTRCB and the Office of the President are rendered.
If you or a loved one are experiencing mental health difficulties, you can reach out to the National Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 0917-899-8727/090-863-92672 or visit Mental Health PH for more resources.
READ ALSO: MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto Speaks Up On “It’s Showtime” Suspension
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