TV host/comedian Vice Ganda publicly apologizes to viewers after some of the recent jokes and skits on It's Showtime drew criticism online.
On July 25, 2026, just before the noontime show ended, the comedian-host addressed the issue on air and acknowledged the concerns raised by some members of their audience.
Vice Ganda said: "Nakarating po sa aming kaalaman na may mga Madlang People po na hindi nagustuhan o na-offend sa ilan sa aming mga jokes o biruan dito sa Showtime.
"Pati na rin sa mga ginagawa namin sa ‘Memerimar,’ na they found the jokes offensive or insensitive.
"Gusto lang namin ipaalam po sa inyo na the last thing we want is to displace you o hindi mapasaya ang aming Madlang People.
"Kaya naman ina-acknowledge po namin ang inyong sentimento at humihingi po kami ng paumanhin sa inyo and we will try to do better."
@abscbn Humihingi kami ng paumanhin, madlang people. ???? #ItsShowtime #ABSCBN #Kapamilya #ViceGanda ? original sound - ABS-CBN
IT'S SHOWTIME's jokes
The apology came after several clips from recent It's Showtime segments circulated on social media, prompting discussions among viewers.
Among the moments that drew online backlash was a scene from the show's popular parody segment, "Memerimar."
"Memerimar" is Vice Ganda's comedic take on the iconic teleserye Marimar, featuring fellow hosts Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, MC Muah, Baby Dolls Johaira, and other members of the show's cast.
The segment is known for its exaggerated acting, improvised comedy, musical numbers, and physical gags.
However, some viewers took issue with a now-viral scene involving Baby Dolls Johaira.
In the skit, Vice's character Memerimar sprayed water on Johaira's face before saying, “Anong nangyari sa iyo? Ba't nagputik ka?”
Another scene that circulated online showed Vice appearing to raise a hand toward Johaira during a comedic exchange.
The clips quickly sparked discussion on social media, with some viewers criticizing the jokes as offensive, insensitive, colorist, and inappropriate for a noontime program.
Several netizens also tagged the official X account of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) as they called attention to the controversial skits.
Among those who reacted online was an X user who wrote: “maybe I'm too woke pero yung mga jokes ni meme vice about johaira and her skin color are not funny at all.”
Another netizen threw in: “tru @vicegandako paki adjust na lang ang humour kapag colorism lalo na kapag maitim. this won’t work in today’s overly sensitive audience.”
Meanwhile, a viewer expressed disappointment over the recurring jokes involving Johaira, saying: “to be honest. I love VG pero this is getting out of touch na.
“Parang ginagawa na lang ewan si Johaira dito, pero if she were famous, totally different story.
“we are against abuse and cruelty lalo na sa mga kababaihan pero bakit ganto parin tayo sa national tv tapos noontime show?”
The controversy surfaced just days after Vice Ganda and Kim Chiu became the subject of a fan-driven issue that was quickly addressed and resolved after the inaugural FAMAS Broadcast Arts Awards.
During the awards night held at The Manila Hotel on July 20, 2026, It's Showtime was named Best Variety Show, while Vice Ganda took home the Best Host for Entertainment award.
The event later sparked online discussions among some fans involving Vice and Kim, although both immediately put the issue to rest.
Read more: