Unkabogable star Vice Ganda made headlines after cracking a joke about the recent controversy involving Kapuso star Julie Anne San Jose during a segment on ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ in ‘It’s Showtime.’
The incident, which centered around Julie Anne’s performance of ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’ inside a church, became a hot topic among netizens.
During the show, Vice praised a contestant’s performance of ‘You Are My Destiny’ by Paul Anka, commenting that the contestant’s voice would fit perfectly for a Sunday church service.
The interaction took a humorous turn when Vice asked the contestant what songs they typically sing in church, to which he cheekily answered, “Dancing Queen. Charot!”
The joke was a reference to Julie Anne’s recent performance during a benefit concert at a church in Occidental Mindoro. The singer faced backlash from some netizens who found her song choice and outfit, a gown with a high slit, inappropriate for the venue. The controversy led to an apology from both Julie Anne and her management, GMA Sparkle, as well as the church’s parish priest.
Julie Anne addressed the issue in a heartfelt apology, stating, “I truly, sincerely apologize. This is a lesson learned, and it is assured that it will not be repeated. My faith is unbreakable, and I pray that we can all move forward with compassion in our hearts.”
Vice Ganda’s joke received mixed reactions online. While some viewers found the punchline humorous, consistent with Vice’s signature style, others criticized the comedian for referencing a sensitive issue, particularly since ‘It’s Showtime’ now airs on GMA Network alongside Kapuso stars like Julie Anne.
Fans of the singer reminded Vice to exercise caution and sensitivity when making jokes about Kapuso artists, especially considering the dual-network arrangement.
Makakadagdag lang ‘yung ginagawa ni Vice sa hatred na natatanggap ng tao. ‘Yun ang mali dito.
May name drop? ‘Yun naman ang problema kay Vice, palaging nagtatapon ng ganyang mga komento.
Julie Anne apologized already, she knows kung ano ‘yung mali. Buti sana kung hindi. https://t.co/D55Rk1d1gC
— bading kay mikha lim (@SENIORHRH) October 14, 2024
Minsan talaga wala sa hulog tong si Vice I love Julie Anne so much na naiinis ako pag may ganitong klase ng tao na makapagpasaring lang She doesnt deserve your mocking https://t.co/ZTqAoT31Lo
— Ali (@ali_ali97792811) October 14, 2024
Dapat nga hindi jinoke ni Meme Vice yan ang issue ni Julie Anne San Jose rito, sana lang Vice should not offended Julie Anne here, huwag naman ipatama sa mga kapwa singers lalo na kapuso artist pa naman si Julie. https://t.co/Th0uTHCiyj
— Paolo Mendoza (@ImPaoloMendoza) October 14, 2024
Despite the differing reactions, Vice Ganda is known for incorporating real-life events into his comedic banter, often involving his fellow hosts and celebrities. The lighthearted exchange is typical of the comedian’s approach, but this time it touched on a more sensitive subject that had already sparked public debate.
Julie Anne San Jose, meanwhile, continues her successful career, moving past the incident with the support of her fans and followers. Vice Ganda remains one of the country’s top comedians, continuing to walk the fine line between humor and controversy.
