Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto, and Three Others Resign from “Eat Bulaga!” After Backlash Over Alexandra Eala Controversy – Rebrand as TVJ
In a shocking turn of events that has sent waves through the Philippine entertainment industry, veteran hosts Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto, and three other long-time personalities of the legendary variety show Eat Bulaga! have officially resigned from their positions. The announcement came just days after mounting public outrage over their alleged involvement in reviving old and personal rumors surrounding young Filipino tennis sensation Alexandra Eala, who recently made history by winning the 2025 US Open.
According to multiple reports, tensions within the show’s production team had been brewing for weeks after clips resurfaced online showing several hosts engaging in what many fans described as “gender-shaming” and “personal attacks” against Eala. The controversial segment reportedly featured discussions that dug into what they called “four dark family secrets” of the rising tennis star — comments that quickly drew massive backlash from viewers and celebrities alike.
Eala, who had just brought home one of the most prestigious titles in tennis, had become a symbol of pride for Filipinos around the world. However, the tone of the hosts’ remarks, which appeared to trivialize her achievements by shifting focus toward her personal life, sparked widespread outrage across social media platforms. Within hours, hashtags like #RespectAlexEala and #BoycottEatBulaga trended nationwide, with fans demanding accountability from the show’s producers and hosts.
In response to the controversy, Joey de Leon and Vic Sotto released a joint statement announcing their departure from Eat Bulaga! and their plans to relaunch under a new brand — TVJ (Tito-Vic-Joey) — alongside other longtime collaborators. “After careful thought and reflection, we have decided to move forward in a new direction,” the statement read. “We acknowledge the hurt caused by recent events and take full responsibility for the words and actions that fell short of the respect that every Filipino — especially our young athletes — deserves.”
The decision has divided fans. While some supporters have expressed disappointment, others have praised the hosts for taking responsibility and choosing to step away from the long-running show. Industry insiders claim that internal disagreements between the production team and management over how to handle the Eala controversy may have also played a role in the resignations.
Meanwhile, Alexandra Eala herself has remained graceful and composed amid the chaos. In a brief social media post, she wrote: “I’m not angry. I hope this becomes a lesson in kindness, empathy, and respect. We’re all human — we all make mistakes.” Her maturity and calm response have only strengthened the admiration of millions of Filipinos who continue to rally behind her.
As the dust settles, Eat Bulaga! faces one of its most turbulent moments in decades, with the departure of its founding icons marking the end of an era. Meanwhile, TVJ — the newly formed show by Tito, Vic, and Joey — is reportedly preparing to launch on another major network, promising a “fresh start” and a renewed focus on humor, respect, and positivity.
For fans of both Philippine television and sports, this controversy has served as a sobering reminder: fame and legacy can be fragile, but accountability and grace — as shown by Alexandra Eala — will always stand the test of time.
