Year in Review: 10 controversies that unfolded this 2023

2023 didn't fall short on controversies or "kalat" in  the show business industry.

As we close another year and look forward to a fresh new one, let's look back on 2023's most viral celebrity controversies.

Alex Gonzaga's cake icing incident

In January, Alex Gonzaga went viral on social media after a video of her birthday circulated online showed her smudging cake icing on the face of the waiter holding her cake.

She later admitted that she regretted what she did and was sorry.

"On my birthday, God taught me a hard and important lesson. Humility, kindness, and better judgment," Alex said. “I am truly sorry, Kuya Allan.”

Liza Soberano opening up about showbiz struggles

In February, Liza Soberno underwent a rebranding and reintroduced herself as "Hope" as she embarked on a new chapter of her life. In her vlog "This Is Me," Liza also opened up about her showbiz struggles, including feeling boxed in a love team.

In the rebranding process, she had to leave Ogie Diaz as her manager, which sparked several controversies on whether or not things were amicable between them.

“Nung una natakot po ako sabihin sa kaniya [na hindi na ako magre-renew], but his response was very supportive and understanding,” Liza said.

“So ngayon, nagtatampo po ako sa kanya because he is saying so many things that are untrue,” she added. "Why is he trying to say things to make people turn against me?"

As a response, Ogie explained that he had to make his statement public to keep his reputation.

“Parang kinontrol namin siya. Since 'yun ang nasa vlog na public, natural ipagtatanggol ko ang sarili ko," Ogie said.

TVJ leaving TAPE and the fight over "Eat Bulaga" trademark

In May, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey De Leon, collectively known as TVJ, announced that they were parting ways with Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE), the producer of "Eat Bulaga."

In July, TVJ filed a copyright infringement complaint against TAPE for using the name "Eat Bulaga."

In response to the complaint, TAPE said they have the "registration of the tradename 'Eat Bulaga' so they cannot file infringement against the registered owner of the trademark."

In December, The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Philippines declared TVJ as the rightful owner of the "Eat Bulaga" trademark after they provided qualified testimony and explanation on the origin of the show's name.

Pura Luka Vega's controversial "Ama Namin" performance and arrested

In July, Pura Luka Vega of "Drag Den Philippines" Season 1 went viral on X (formerly Twitter) for their performance of "Ama Namin" at a bar.

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, the drag artist said their performance wasn't meant to be disrespectful and that it's their "way of actually praising God."

Three months later, Luka was arrested after a complaint was filed by the Devotees of the Black Nazarene, Hijos del Nazareno, against them following their viral Ama Namin performance.

Luka was released on bail after being held under the custody of the Manila Police District Station 3 in Quiapo, Manila.

Heart Evangelista and her fallout with her glam team

In August, Heart Evangelista released another episode of "Adulting with Heart and Chiz," where she talked about being betrayed by friends.

The Kapuso star and global fashion icon said she has no answer on dealing with friendship betrayal because she's "still in the process of it all."

She didn't name names, but social media was abuzz about Heart's falling out with members of her glam team, her hairstylist Jeck Aguilar and makeup artist Justin Soriano, who she both unfollowed on Instagram.

In October, Heart also talked about alleged stolen contacts, black propaganda, and content shadow ban being thrown at her during fashion week.

"Stolen contacts, black propaganda, hiring a 3rd party to shadow ban my [content] in the end will not matter because I don't do this for fame," Heart said. "I do this for love and passion."

Tessa Prieto's "trash" comment on "Drag Race Philippines"

Tessa Prieto's appearance as a guest judge on "Drag Race Philippines" Season 2 in August was proven to be the highlight of Episode 3, but not for the right reasons.

During the judges' critiques, the socialite commented, "This is trash" to ØV CÜNT's Halloween look, referencing the controversial Rajo Laurel remark from last season.

"I find it weird that when someone's trauma from last season is still being said as a f*cking joke," ØV said.

As a response, Tessa said, "Make your own drama, life is too short!"

KC Concepcion unfollowing stepdad Kiko Pangilinan and sister Kakie

In September, KC Concepcion unfollowed her stepfather, Kiko Pangilinan, and half-sister Frankie on Instagram. After learning her place in people's lives, KC explained that she did it "out of respect" and "not to overplay" her part.

"I am forever grateful to have experienced the love of a father through the experience of having a stepfather since I was 12 years old," KC said.

Francis Magalona's alleged lover Abegail Rait and daughter Francesca

In October, netizens had mixed reactions to Abegail Rait, the woman who claimed that she had a relationship with the late Francis Magalona and that they had a daughter named Francesca.

Abegail said she met Francis M. when she watched an episode of "Eat Bulaga" live, and the rapper found a way to get her number.

She also said their relationship was real, and she's only speaking about it now to tell people that she and her daughter, Gaile Francesca, exist.

In November, Abegail apologized to the Magalona family and said that Francis was single when they got involved.

Miss Universe's wrong announcement of Top 5

In November, Miss Universe El Salvador took to Instagram to apologize for the mistake of mixing the names of two finalists.

It showed Philippine bet Michelle Dee was included in the Miss Universe Top 5, while noticeably missing was Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild, who became the 1st runner-up of Miss Universe 2023.

According to Miss Universe El Salvador, they were in a hurry to get their social media posts up, and "we accidentally mixed up the names of two finalists."
 
"This was a simple error of moving too fast," they admitted.

Herlene Budol, Bianca Manalo, and Rob Gomez screenshots scandal

In December, Herlene Budol and Bianca Manalo were the talk of the town after several screenshots of their alleged conversation with Rob Gomez circulated online, with message exchanges suggesting that Rob is having an affair with the both of them.

Bianca said that the conversations leaked had parts missing from them, and called the whole thing "false rumors."

Herlene also defended herself from the accusations, saying, "Pag dedicated ka sa trabaho, gagawan ka ng issue!"

Rob's love life has caused a stir in showbiz circles after he said he was single. A few weeks later, he apologized for his statement and then introduced his family. Earlier in the month, he shared photos with his partner, the beauty queen Shaila Rebortera, and said they were "loving louder." —JCB, GMA Integrated News