(From left) Vic Sotto, a contestant on “EAT,” Joey de Leon. Image: Screengrab from Facebook/TVJ
Joey de Leon has once again found himself at the center of controversy after he blurted a joke pertaining to “lubid” or rope during the “Gimme 5” segment of noontime show “EAT” last Sept. 23.
In a video captured by one @AltStarMagic on X (formerly Twitter), de Leon can be seen interacting with a contestant who was thinking of answers for things that can be put around a person’s neck.
“Lubid, lubid. Nakakalimutan niyo. Lubid (Rope, rope. You might forget. Rope),” said de Leon, apparently in reference to the use of the twisted yarn in some suicide cases.
This is a trigger warning clip about suicide and Joey De Leon can’t shut his mouth.
Really? Mga bagay na sinasabit sa leeg ay lubid? REALLY JOEY DE LEON???? LALA SOTTO ANO NA???? pic.twitter.com/YPF0jkPth3
— ALTStarMagic 💫 (@AltStarMagic) September 23, 2023
The host-comedian’s remarks drew the ire of netizens and mental health advocates, with many calling him out for being “insensitive” to the topic of suicide, and to the plight of those with mental health struggles.
“‘It’s Showtime’ got suspended for doing something completely normal. Joey De Leon, again, making problematic insensitive jokes about mental health, and their show still goes on,” one @eisu_bry said.
It’s Showtime got suspended for doing something completely normal. Joey De Leon, again, making problematic insensitive jokes about mental health, and their show still goes on.
— sp(ace) (@eisu_bry) September 24, 2023
“Joey de Leon thinks his humor still sells in this era of progressiveness and social consciousness. pack it up, grandpa. you’re only funny to misogynistic and self-righteous boomers,” another @tinkyounato wrote.
joey de leon thinks his humor still sells in this era of progressiveness and social consciousness. pack it up, grandpa. you’re only funny to misogynistic and self-righteous boomers. https://t.co/kyamjAtGIE
— mitch 🌸🌷 (@tinkyounato) September 24, 2023
Mental health advocate RJ Naguit called the attention of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to take action, saying de Leon’s remarks are “triggering” to viewers.
“Hi @MTRCBgov! Reminding you of the media guidelines on suicide reporting that your office has released/signed up to. Hope you can do something about this show that might be triggering for some viewers,” he said.
Hi @MTRCBgov! Reminding you of the media guidelines on suicide reporting that your office has released/signed up to. Hope you can do something about this show that might be triggering for some viewers. https://t.co/pRtnYco8HC
— RJ Naguit 🌹 (@docrjnaguit) September 24, 2023
X user @MMMNGBSWG hoped that MTRCB chairperson Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio — daughter of “EAT” host Tito Sotto — would “do [her] job,” as suicide is not a “laughing matter.”
“Calling the attention of the MTRCB to summon EAT’s Joey De Leon for making the use of the s-word a laughing matter. Please sanction him and impose punishment for this. Jokes about the s-word should not be tolerated. Lala Sotto, please do your job,” the post read.
calling the attention of the MTRCB to summon E.A.T’s Joey De Leon for making the use of the s-word a laughing matter. Please sanction him and impose punishment for this. Jokes about the s-word should not be tolerated. Lala Sotto, please do your job.
— MIMA MONG BUSOWG ♐ (@MMMNGBSWG) September 23, 2023
Another @theprudentJM said taking one’s life is not a laughing matter.
If you are trying to be a comedian, well, you’re not funny Joey De Leon!
The issue of suicide by hanging is no joke!
Lala Sotto, ano na? Galaw galaw tayo beh?! pic.twitter.com/VnHsXlUwA0
— Justine (@theprudentJM) September 24, 2023
Touching on the topic of suicide vis a vis de Leon’s remark, X users @frenchfernande2 and @jsesduyro posted about the late actress Pepsi Paloma’s death by hanging.
HINDI NAKAKALIMUTAN NI JOEY GINAWA NYA KAY PEPSI PALOMA, DEPRESYON DAHIL SA GINAWANG PANANAKOT NI TITO KAYA NAGBIGTI, GUSTO NI TITO NI IAATRAS NI PEPSI UN KASONG PANGGAGAHASA NI JOEY, VIC AT RICHIE KAYA UN TAO NA DEPRES UN NAGBIGTI, NAMATAY SI PEPSI DAHIL SA APAT NA PUT@NG IN@ pic.twitter.com/oszZHIjliM
— Morning Girl (@frenchfernande2) September 24, 2023
Wait…. Joey De Leon: pic.twitter.com/8k5T4fnY8P
— Josh Sesduyro (@JSesduyro) September 24, 2023
This is not the first time de Leon drew backlash for his remarks when it comes to the topic of mental health. In October 2017, the veteran host-comedian previously drew flak for his apparent dismissal of depression as a “made-up illness” in the noontime show “Eat Bulaga,” to which he apologized days later. EDV