The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairman, Lala Sotto, announced that “It’s Showtime” did not violate any regulations during a disputed incident in their “EXpecially for You” segment. Sotto expressed that the hosts “acted appropriately” in handling the situation.
The incident, which took place on May 31, involved a participant attempting to kiss another participant on the cheek without seeking consent. The recipient of the kiss moved away to avoid it, leading the hosts, including Vice Ganda, to intervene. Vice Ganda cautioned the participant that their actions could lead to legal repercussions.
Sotto shared her perspective a week later through a statement to showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz. On June 7, Diaz revealed Sotto’s view on his YouTube vlog, quoting her as saying, “I don’t have an official statement. But, in my opinion, the hosts acted appropriately on the given situation.” Sotto emphasized that the show and its hosts did not breach any MTRCB rules.
Diaz pointed out that the incident has elicited mixed reactions from the public and celebrities, including Nikko Natividad and former segment participant Nico Locco. His vlog co-host, Loi Villarama, suggested that the show’s management should consider setting clear guidelines on physical interactions to avoid similar situations in the future.
Vice Ganda and his fellow hosts previously addressed the issue, asserting that they would not apologize for their response to the incident. They contacted the participant who was kissed, who initially claimed in a TikTok video that she did not feel violated but later admitted feeling uncomfortable with the kiss attempt.