Amid a storm of controversy and calls for his removal, actor and former Hashtag member Nikko Natividad will remain in the TV series ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.’
This follows pressure from netizens and supporters of Vice Ganda, who urged the show’s lead actor and director, Coco Martin, to drop Natividad from the cast.
The issue arose after Natividad posted a reaction to a viral incident where Vice Ganda reprimanded Axel Cruz for unexpectedly kissing Christine during the ‘EXpecially For You’ segment. Although Natividad deleted his post, he later affirmed his stance, stating that he removed it at the behest of management, without specifying which side.
On the June 20 episode of ‘Cristy Ferminute,’ host Cristy Fermin reported, citing a reliable source from ‘FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,’ that there are no plans to remove Natividad.
Fermin noted that Coco Martin is not influenced by the ongoing controversy and that Natividad will continue in the series unless his character’s storyline ends.
“Isang very very reliable source po mula sa FPJ’s Batang Quiapo ang aking nakausap… nalaman ko at dapat kong itawid sa inyo na hinding-hindi raw po makikinig si Coco Martin sa kung ano-anong isyung kumakalat ngayon,” Fermin said.
“Si Nikko Natividad po ay patuloy pa rin nating mapapanood sa Batang Quiapo at ang kaniyang role ay matatapos lamang kapag wala na talaga siyang mga eksena,” she added.
Co-host Romel Chika expressed relief over this news, considering the speculation that Natividad might be removed due to Coco Martin and Vice Ganda’s close friendship.
Cristy Fermin also voiced her disappointment at the calls for Natividad’s dismissal over the issue.
This development underscores the challenges celebrities face amid public scrutiny and the influence of social media on their careers. For now, Nikko Natividad will continue his role in the popular series, much to the relief of his supporters.
