Netizens Slam Joey de Leon After “ABS” Remark Goes Viral
JOEY DE LEON – The veteran television host and comedian faced criticism from fans of ABS-CBN following a joke he made during a segment of Eat Bulaga!.
The issue arose on April 23, 2026, during the show’s “The Age Is Right” segment, where RJ Perkins appeared as a celebrity guest. Perkins, who previously trained with the group BGYO, had gained attention online after confidently walking the runway and showing his physique during a swimsuit competition in a recent male pageant.
During the interview, co-host Ryan Agoncillo asked Perkins about his preparation for the pageant. Perkins explained that he focused on mental readiness before joining, as he wanted to make a strong return after three years and present his true self on stage. His response highlighted his confidence and personal growth leading up to the competition.
However, the conversation took a different turn when Joey de Leon made a remark suggesting that having visible abdominal muscles was no longer popular, seemingly referring to Perkins’ physique. When co-hosts reacted and clarified the statement, Joey quickly followed up with a comment referencing ABS-CBN, which many viewers interpreted as unnecessary and insensitive. “Saka hindi na uso yung abs. Wala na nga yung abs, e,” Joey said.
The remarks did not sit well with many netizens, particularly loyal supporters of ABS-CBN. Some viewed the joke as a subtle dig at the network, which has a long history with Eat Bulaga!, having aired the show from 1989 to 1995. The backlash quickly spread online, with critics expressing disappointment over what they perceived as an inappropriate and poorly timed joke.
Currently, Eat Bulaga! continues to air on TV5 after its long run on GMA-7, marking another chapter in the show’s decades-long history in Philippine television.
Related Post: Mister Pampanga Candidate RJ Perkins Responds to Body Shaming After Viral Pageant Walk