Following the viral incident on ‘It’s Showtime’s Especially For You segment involving Christine and Axel, Vice Ganda is now at the center of social media criticism after retracting his initial apology.
In a tweet on June 2, Vice expressed his willingness to apologize to Axel for misinterpreting his actions during the show.
“Sorry na mali ang reaction ko. Ang dating kasi sakin at sa ibang andun eh na-off si girl na sinunggaban sya ng halik and I thought na she felt violated. Since hindi naman pala I will apologize to the guy.”
However, in a follow-up tweet on June 4, Vice retracted this, saying no apology was needed since their reaction was justified as the girl had admitted she felt uncomfortable at that moment.
During ‘It’s Showtime’s June 4 episode, Vice stated that he had discussed the incident with the management, producers, staff, and other hosts. He emphasized that their reaction was based on what they observed from their seats. He also mentioned that Christine admitted to feeling uncomfortable but had to sugarcoat it in her TikTok video for undisclosed reasons. Consequently, Vice said there was no need to apologize, as they had also spoken with Axel, who understood the hosts’ initial reactions.
Despite this, Vice Ganda faced a backlash on social media. Many critics called out his decision not to apologize and his reaction during the show.
Several netizens and Twitter pages noticed what appeared to be a coordinated effort to discredit Vice, who is known for his political comments on the show.
@thequeenanima shared screenshots of TikTok videos with similar messages criticizing Vice.
“Confirmed . May pa troll farm ang mga kalaban ng It’s Showtime . Very Maggie Wilson ang galawan lahat sila sabay sabay naglabasan. Fact na fact.”
Confirmed . May pa troll farm ang mga kalaban ng It’s Showtime . Very Maggie Wilson ang galawan lahat sila sabay sabay naglabasan. Fact na fact.
Source: @AltIndayBadiday https://t.co/DYyy5OEF60
— Anima Cristi Vermin (@thequeenanima) June 5, 2024
@kowalerts also shared the same screenshots, noting the uniform messaging among the bashers’ social media content, particularly on TikTok.
“SEEN: Ang sunod sunod na post ng ilang Tiktok Content creators kung saan biglang nagkaroon sila ng reaksyon kaugnay sa isyu ng EXpecially For You Episode nina Axel at Christine. Kapansin-pansin kasi na ang mga naturang content creators ay wala namang ibang say sa mga nagdaang EFY episodes ngunit ngayon ay tila ba mga eksperto na pagdating sa naturang isyu.”
SEEN: Ang sunod sunod na post ng ilang Tiktok Content creators kung saan biglang nagkaroon sila ng reaksyon kaugnay sa isyu ng EXpecially For You Episode nina Axel at Christine. Kapansin-pansin kasi na ang mga naturang content creators ay wala namang ibang say sa mga nagdaang EFY… pic.twitter.com/dilqVEv98W
— Kapamilya Online World (@kowalerts) June 5, 2024
@gabmonstere also shared his sentiment saying “this sudden hate train on vice ganda all for being overprotective to a woman on national tv tells me all i need to know about y’all.”
this sudden hate train on vice ganda all for being overprotective to a woman on national tv tells me all i need to know about y'all.
— ianᵕ̈ (@gabmonstere) June 5, 2024
@mimanotvicey also expressed a view tweting “I’m sorry but I don’t see the reason for Vice to lie, dahil para saan pa??? now, we want to know what’s the truth dahil hindi puwedeng may isang tao na naman ang sasalo ng lahat, lalong lalo na kung ang intensyon lang nito ay magsalita para sa boundary na pakiwaring natapakan”
I’m sorry but I don’t see the reason for Vice to lie, dahil para saan pa???
now, we want to know what’s the truth dahil hindi puwedeng may isang tao na naman ang sasalo ng lahat, lalong lalo na kung ang intensyon lang nito ay magsalita para sa boundary na pakiwaring natapakan
— kali (@mimanotvicey) June 5, 2024
Another tweet suggested that the concerted attack on Vice might be due to his political stance, which some might see as a threat given his broad influence.
“Vice will always be a THREAT to them because it is rare to have a host who is socially and politically aware, always ready to point out their anomalies, vocal about issues in the Philippines, and that influential—someone with a powerful voice who can persuade others to listen”
Vice will always be a THREAT to them because it is rare to have a host who is socially and politically aware, always ready to point out their anomalies, vocal about issues in the Philippines, and that influential—someone with a powerful voice who can persuade others to listen
— kali (@mimanotvicey) June 5, 2024
@f4ggotism and @altstarmagic drew parallels between the criticism against Vice Ganda and the experience of Maggie Wilson, who was targeted by a troll farm in a smear campaign.
“do we forgot the maggie wilson issue that quick?!”
https://twitter.com/f4ggotism/status/1798303259305930838
“Siyempre mala-Maggie Wilson ang atake kay Meme Vice sa Tiktok dahil pare-parehas ang content at script. Tapos kapag nagdemanda iiyak iyak at may pa-speech pa ”
https://twitter.com/AltStarMagic/status/1798318206618354151
@rome0418 provided a detailed analysis, arguing that the issue had escalated and was being exploited by troll farms. He suggested that the situation had become political, especially with the 2025 midterm elections approaching, and was being used to diminish Vice’s influence on potential endorsements.
“My thoughts on the issue with @vicegandako. Mejo eerie kasi. Parang political na? I don’t know, may troll farm kasi na involved kaya I can’t help but think that. Tatag lang, meme Vice!”
My thoughts on the issue with @vicegandako. Mejo eerie kasi. Parang political na? I don’t know, may troll farm kasi na involved kaya I can’t help but think that. Tatag lang, meme Vice! #JuneTayoSaShowtime pic.twitter.com/qFZiZScQVe
— Rome Balanon (@Rome0418) June 6, 2024
@gotfri15 also noticed how several DDS propagandist are also riding the controversy and joined the bashing bandwagon against Vice Ganda. He shared screenshots of social media posts from Mark Lopez and Lacruiser Relativo who were known staunch Duterte apologists.
“Gamit na gamit na naman ng mga DDShhh ang issue ni Vice at ng @itsShowtimeNa. Pero hindi sila makaimik sa issues na kinakaharap ng santo nila.”
https://twitter.com/GOTFRI15/status/1798503586143539283
