When it comes to humor, there are some lines you shouldn’t cross — especially when joking about sensitive situations. That’s why TV host and comedian Joey de Leon found himself in hot water after making a tone-deaf joke. Here’s what happened:

Trigger Warning: The article contains mentions of suicide.

Gimme a joke that’s not distasteful

In the “Gimme 5” segment of TV5’s noontime show E.A.T., a contestant was asked to name five things that can be worn on the neck. Although he only mustered to name one item, E.A.T host Joey de Leon was quick to share his answer. And let’s say it was a case of wit gone bonkers. 

“Lubid, lubid. Nakakalimutan n’yo,” the 76-year-old comedian said. 

People wasted no time calling out De Leon, as his statement seemed to imply self-inflicted harm.

Joey’s joke didn’t sit well with netizens

Let’s face it — we live in a country where the most common advice you’ll get for dealing with mental health issues is to either pray it away or keep a positive mindset. Does that mean De Leon gets a pass? Not at all, netizens say. 

“Panahon na siguro mag retire si Joey De Leon. Hindi ka na nababagay sa generation na ito,” one netizen wrote.

Some have argued that Joey’s joke might be potentially triggering to those people who are currently dealing with mental health challenges.

Netizens also took issue that the controversial remark was followed by a quirky laugh track.

“They even added that ‘haha’ effects as if nakakatawa na isa sa sagot ‘yung lubid.”

Not the first time

This wasn’t De Leon’s first time making controversial jokes about mental health. In 2017, he called depression a made-up illness on national TV, saying, “Yung depression gawa-gawa lang ng mga tao ‘yan. Gawa nila sa sarili nila.” After online backlash, De Leon issued an apology.

People call out Lala Sotto

Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chair Diorella Maria “Lala” Sotto-Antonio faced criticism from netizens as well. Netizens asked her to show fairness by penalizing E.A.T and De Leon for his controversial statement.

Recently, Sotto drew flak after suspending It’s Showtime due to a series of violations, most notably an interaction between real-life couple Ion Perez and Vice Ganda, who appeared on the noontime show licking cake frosting from their fingers.

“Pero kung marinig nila na ang “lubid” ay isa sa mga bagay na sinasabit sa leeg, what do you think would happen if the child tried it, Lala Sotto?” one post reads.

People also asked the MTRCB to remember the media guidelines on sensitive topics like suicide.

As of writing, neither the MTRCB, Joey de Leon, nor E.A.T. has released any statement.

If you or someone you know requires assistance with mental health concerns, the Department of Health operates national crisis hotlines accessible through landline at 1553, as well as via mobile at 0917-899-8727 and 0966-351-4518 (Globe), and 0908-639-2672 (Smart/Sun/TNT).

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