E.A.T producers apologize over Joey de Leon's 'lubid' remarks, says MTRCB

The producers of the noontime television show “E.A.T” have apologized over a “rope” joke made by host Joey de Leon in one of its episodes, the Movie and  Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) said Wednesday.

At the Senate finance subcommittee hearing on its proposed 2024 budget, MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto said the show producers “voluntarily” appeared before the board after the episode and submitted an apology letter over De Leon’s remarks.

De Leon recently drew flak from netizens after he was heard saying “lubid (rope)” in a segment of the show, wherein a contestant was asked to name things that can be worn on necks.

“The E.A.T. production voluntarily appeared before the MTRCB with an apology letter,” said Sotto.

Lawyer Paul Cases, chairperson of the MTRCB adjudication board, confirmed the producers submitted an apology letter and said the panel had already taken cognizance of the complaints it received in relation to the controversial episode. 

“We already took cognizance of the complaints that we received on our social media page. We’re going to discuss it after the legal case brings the same matter before the adjudication committee,” said Cases.

In their letter to the MTRCB dated September 25, the show producers said the “whole E.A.T. management is regretful and apologetic to those who were offended” by De Leon’s comment.

“He conveyed this verbally in a very brief manner without further actions, elaborations or demonstrations. However, some viewers interpreted the utterance of the said object to be an insinuation of suicide, which is a very sensitive and triggering subject,” the letter reads.

“In this regard, the whole E.A.T. management is regretful and apologetic to those who were offended by the said utterance. Rest assured that we are one with MTRCB in advocating a responsible viewing experience for the public,” it added.

The MTRCB is asking for P130.61 million in funding for 2024. The Senate panel approved the budget proposal.—LDF, GMA Integrated News