TV host-comedian Vice Ganda revisited the controversial rape joke he made about the renowned broadcast journalist Jessica Soho.
During a conversation with his protege Awra Briguela about life’s mistakes, the Phenomenal Box-Office Star cited this incident as an example. He pointed out that despite his efforts to do good and spread positivity, he continues to face rejection from those who harbor resentment due to the rape joke he directed at Jessica over a decade ago.
In the second part of Vice’s vlog on YouTube, where he was joined by Awra, he recounted the incident that occurred at his concert ‘I-Vice Ganda Mo ‘Ko sa Araneta’ on May 17, 2013.
“Sa mga taong ayaw sa akin, isa lang ang definition ko, I made a rape joke about Jessica Soho. ‘Yun ang depenisyon ko sa mga taong ayaw sa akin. At habambuhay na nilang bibitbitin ‘yun para maging rason para magalit sila sa akin habambuhay.”
“Other than that, wala na silang ibang nakikita sa akin. ‘Di na nila makikita ang anumang bagay na gagawin kong tama, ‘di na nila makikita ang magandang salita na lalabas sa bibig ko ko, hindi na nila makikita ‘yung magandang epekto ko sa ilan, hindi kung anumang magandang kabutihang meron ako sa puso ko, hindi na nila makikita ‘yun.”
Reflecting on the incident, Vice revealed that he had experienced a similar situation to Awra’s, referring to the brawl at a bar in Poblacion, Makati City, in June 2023, which led to his arrest and subsequent detention.
“Dahil sa ayaw nila ako. They do not like me, they hate me, they only need one reason to define me. They only need one bad definition of me and that one bad definition of me is: Vice Ganda, siya ang nag-rape joke kay Jessica Soho at paulit-ulit nilang babalikan ‘yun para hindi sila mawala sa paniniwalang ayaw nila ako.”
During the conversation, Vice recalled the rape joke he made about Jessica during his concert 11 years ago, which sparked controversy and drew criticism, especially from Jessica’s colleagues at GMA Network.
“Ang hirap nga lang kung si Jessica Soho magbo-bold. Kailangan gang rape lagi. Sasabihin ng rapist, ‘Ipasa ang lechon.’ Sasabihin naman ni Jessica, ‘E, nasaan yung apple?’” said Vice as a joke onstage.
In response, Jessica herself condemned Vice’s words, emphasizing that “Rape is not a joke.”
Subsequently, Vice issued a public apology to Jessica, acknowledging his mistake. Despite this, Jessica declined to engage in further dialogue with Vice.
As he shared his insights with Awra, Vice advised his protege not to let public perception define his entire character based on one mistake. He emphasized that Awra is not solely defined by any single error but rather by the sum of his actions, including both the positive and negative.
Vice concluded his advice to Awra by encouraging self-forgiveness and self-love, along with appreciation for those who genuinely care for him.
