Kim Chiu draws criticism after ‘Ryzza Mae’ joke on ‘It’s Showtime’

Kim Chiu was called out by some netizens after she made a joke that appeared to reference “Eat Bulaga” host Ryzza Mae Dizon during an episode of “It’s Showtime.”

During the “Lights, Camera, Act-Song” segment of the ABS-CBN noontime show last June 20, Chiu was acting along with Brent Manalo and Jugs Jugueta. In the scene, Chiu and Manalo were having a conversation when the latter suddenly told her that Jugueta, dressed as Lotus Feet — a character from the 2004 Filipino horror film “Feng Shui” — was standing behind her.

Chiu screamed as she looked at Jugueta and remarked in jest, “Ay! Bakit si Ryzza Mae?”

Jugueta, playing along with the joke, then danced to “Cha Cha Dabarkads,” mimicking Dizon’s signature moves.

Chiu shared a clip of the said scene from the segment via a Facebook post, where netizens expressed their dismay over the joke. Some advised Chiu to be sensitive and to apologize to Dizon.

Chiu, as well as Dizon, has yet to comment on the matter as of this writing. /ra