Former actress Vivian Velez has come under fire online after posting what many netizens believe was a direct swipe at comedian and It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda, whom she referred to as “Kabayong Clown”.
On her Facebook page last August 12, Velez shared photos of herself eating at Burger King with the caption: “Burger King muna tayo… wala munang McDo dahil kay #KabayongClown.”
She followed this with another post enumerating several products and brands — ranging from fast food and e-commerce platforms to skincare and consumer goods — that she urged her followers to avoid while Vice Ganda remained as their endorser.
“Alam na this… huwag mong i-promote o subukan ang mga produktong ito hanggang sa alisin nila ang ‘kabayong clown.’” she wrote.
Though Velez never explicitly named Vice, many pointed out that the brands she listed all share him as a common ambassador.
Her comments came shortly after Vice Ganda’s viral “jetski holiday” skit during his ‘Super Divas’ concert with Regine Velasquez, where the comedian poked fun at former President Rodrigo Duterte’s unfulfilled campaign promise to ride a jetski to the West Philippine Sea. Velez, a staunch Duterte supporter, also reposted a reel featuring Rep. Rodante Marcoleta criticizing Vice, along with another caption: “An army of locked profiles and trolls swarms like flies after the kabayong clown’s disrespect toward Tatay Digong. Who’s the puppeteer behind him?”
The posts quickly drew backlash from Vice Ganda’s supporters, who rushed to defend the comedian.
One netizen wrote: “Vice Ganda performed, that’s what you expected from him. He is a talented, quick thinker, which is why he is very successful.”
Another quipped: “Josko Vivian Velez manahimik ka! Isang piraso lang naman ng BK binili mo… Tampalin kita ng Angel’s Burger eh!”
As of writing, Vice Ganda has yet to directly respond to Velez’s remarks. He has, however, returned to hosting It’s Showtime following a brief absence amid the controversy.
