Allan K draws flak for comment on suicide
Comedian Allan K drew mixed reaction after telling a guest on “Bawal Judgmental” that it is wrong to commit suicide.
Allan K made the remark during a recent episode of the game show, which “Eat Bulaga!” posted on YouTube yesterday, July 29.
During the program, Anton, one of the guests, revealed that he tried to take his own life when he was around 19 years old. He explained that he attempted to kill himself after he was kicked out of his grandmother’s home by one of his uncles.
While the guest recalled his experience and how he was rushed to a hospital after, Allan K asked: “Anton, anong nagtulak sa’yo para magpakamatay? Alam mo bang masama ‘yung magpakamatay?”
(Anton, what pushed you to attempt suicide? Do you know it’s wrong to kill yourself?)
Article continues after this advertisementAnton said that it was the hardships he faced that prompted him to attempt suicide. When Allan K asked how Anton changed his perspective on life, Anton explained that he continued to work and hold on to God.
Following the episode, viewers aired their different opinions on Allan K’s remark on Twitter. One netizen (@toughlove48) stated that the comedian had guilt-tripped the guest by stating suicide is wrong.
“He shouldn’t tell the guy what he did is wrong because clearly, that guy knows better!” the person added. “Feeling guilt for taking his own life will only make it worse for the contestant [because] now he might think twice!”
How dare Allan K guilt-trip a survivor by saying suicide is bad. He shouldn't tell the guy what he did is wrong because clearly, that guy knows better! Feeling guilt for taking his own life will only make it worse for the contestant coz now he might think twice! #BawalJudgmental
— Tough Love 💙 (@toughlove48) July 29, 2020
A fan of Allan K also expressed her dismay over the comedian’s statement.
“As someone who survived an attempt you should never tell them na masama yan (that it is wrong),” @_yangindaeyo said. “If that’s what you think then please just keep it in your mind nalang. Suicide is such a serious topic.”
https://twitter.com/_yangindaeyo/status/1288344363819339776
Meanwhile, others pointed out that the comedian recently lost two siblings and that two of his comedy bars had shut down.
One viewer (@chester_just) said that others cannot blame Allan K for becoming emotional upon hearing the guest’s story. He added that Allan K is “still grieving [and] needs your sympathy.”
Sa loob ng 3 buwan, namatayan si Allan K ng dalawang kapatid at nawalan ng dalawang comedy bars. He reported back to EB for work. We can't blame him to become emotional because of a contestant's story about suicide. He is still grieving & needs your sympathy.#BawalJudgmental pic.twitter.com/MApVvaaczF
— CeeJay (@chester_just) July 29, 2020
Another netizen (@superrfandom) admitted that he/she was taken aback by Allan K’s question. However, he/she believes that others responded too harshly to the comedian.
I was also taken back sa question ni Allan K pero ang harsh na agd sinabi ng mga tao. I think the wording and delivery was wrong pero baka ang mean niya ay if you're going through pain, suicide is not the right way. Let's educate him to say it properly nalang. #BawalJudgmental
— SUPERRFANDOM (@superrfandom) July 29, 2020
“I think the wording and delivery [were] wrong pero baka ang mean niya ay if you’re going through pain, suicide is not the right way,” the viewer said. “Let’s educate him to say it properly nalang.”
(I think the wording and delivery [were] wrong, but maybe what he meant is that if you’re going through pain, suicide is not the right way. Let’s just educate him to say it properly.) /ra
RELATED STORIES:
Alice Dixson helps raise funds to buy safety gear for bikers amid COVID-19
LOOK: Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli plant tree in Amanpulo to mark her 32nd birthday
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)
Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.