Veteran television host Joey de Leon publicly expressed support for actress and ‘It’s Showtime’ host Anne Curtis, calling for respect for women following the controversy surrounding remarks made by Quezon City 4th District Representative Bong Suntay.
During the ‘Eat Bulaga’ segment ‘Gimme 5: Laro ng Mga Henyo Lovers’ on March 4, De Leon made a brief but pointed remark addressing the issue.
“Respect Anne Curtis,” De Leon said on-air. “Kaya naman si Bong… Respect Anne Curtis, Bong.”
His co-host Miles Ocampo echoed the sentiment, adding: “Respect ang mga kababaihan.”
The controversy began after Rep. Suntay made remarks referencing Curtis during a House Committee on Justice hearing connected to the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
During the hearing, Suntay described seeing Curtis and said he felt a “desire” and imagined what might happen, though he later said it remained only in his imagination.
The comment drew strong backlash from the public, celebrities, journalists, and advocacy groups, many of whom described the remark as disrespectful toward women.
In the days following the incident, several personalities from the entertainment industry voiced support for Curtis and urged greater respect for women in public discourse.
De Leon’s short but direct message during ‘Eat Bulaga’ added to the growing list of public figures speaking out against the controversial statement.
Suntay has since apologized to those who were offended by his remarks, though the issue continues to generate discussion online.
