Confused? Here’s a Quick Explainer on Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda’s Viral Endorsement Controversy

The two “It’s Showtime” hosts are brand endorsers of competing fast food chains.

Vice Ganda faced the scrutiny of the internet after a joke on It’s Showtime put co-host Anne Curtis in a compromising situation. On the noontime show’s live telecast last January 20, Saturday, the comedienne led Anne to utter the tagline of McDonald’s, of which Vice is an endorser. Anne, notably, endorses the fast food chain’s direct competitor Jollibee.

After speaking with participants of their romance-themed segment, Vice let out “Nice, ganda!” which is the same phrase used in her campaign for McDonald’s. She then asked Anne to say the words separately, inadvertently making her state the full tagline. Anne proceeded to profusely apologize for the slip-up. “Ikaw talaga. ‘Pag ako nawalan [ng endorsement], bayaran mo yun,” she told Vice in jest.

Netizens React to Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis’ Endorsement Controversy on “It’s Showtime”

Netizens expressed how Anne was visibly uncomfortable after the occurrence, with some scolding Vice for the mishap.

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The next day, Anne took to X to address the issue. “Ganyan ang [biruan] backstage but syempre dapat iba pag on-air,” she stated, assuring her followers that she and Vice are completely fine.

Vice quoted the statement, emphasizing that it was a lapse of judgment on both sides. “It was our usual ‘brand-agulan‘ moment,” she said. Loyal viewers of the show would know that the two usually joke around about their endorsement deals. A couple of months ago, they had a trending moment when they, along with Kim Chiu, repped for their respective fried chicken brands.

Why Did Vice Ganda Face Backlash for the Endorsement Joke on “It’s Showtime”?

Celebrity endorsers are known to be restricted from mentioning taglines, slogans, and even the names of their brand’s competitors. Saying such in public would put them at risk with their contracts, which explains Anne’s nervousness about the incident.

In response to an X user that pointed out Vice’s lack of foresight, the comedienne wrote, “At times, I don’t think enough. Sa kagustuhan kong magpatawa, bira ako [nang] bira kaya minsan sablay. Sometimes I hate myself.”

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“I put Anne in an uncomfortable situation. Wrong. Sorry,” Vice expressed, putting the issue to rest.

Jollibee’s official X account had everyone at ease regarding the debacle, stating that they’re still “best friends” with Anne. The actress responded with a “[Love] you back.”

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Fans of both Anne and Vice urged their fellow netizens to move on from the issue given that both parties have taken accountability. “She acknowledged [na] mali [sya] and apologized privately and publicly,” one said.

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“They’re still sisterettes,” a user added, sharing an adorable photo of the two.

Screenshot from X

Glad to hear everything’s fine, Vice and Anne!