Celebrities, personalities speak out in support of Josh Aquino amid Machong Chismisan issue

Following the Machong Chismisan hosts’ remarks about Josh Aquino, celebrities and personalities have spoken out in his defense, condemning the insensitive nature of the podcast discussion.

Here’s what has been said in support of Kris Aquino’s son.

Mama Loi

Showbiz commentator Mama Loi defended Josh against the criticism, highlighting how Kris raised him and his brother, Bimby, with faith, love, and respect for others.

“His heart is pure. He prays all the time, and he would never hurt or put anyone else down,” she wrote in mixed English and Filipino.

“And he doesn’t just sit around doing nothing! He is very happy taking care of his mom,” she added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mama Loi (@loivillarama)

Aiko Melendez

Aiko Melendez condemned bullying, particularly when it targets children with special needs.

“No child should ever be mocked, excluded, humiliated, or hurt simply because they communicate, learn, behave, or experience the world differently,” she said.

She also called on parents, educators, and community leaders to promote empathy, compassion, and inclusion.

“Let us raise a generation that chooses kindness over cruelty, understanding over judgment, and inclusion over discrimination,” she said.

“Let us protect them, stand up for them, and build a world where no child has to be afraid simply for being who they are,” she added.

Darla

Darla shared a heartfelt message for Josh, describing him as kind, thoughtful, and generous.

She recalled how he consistently thought of others, often using his allowance to buy gifts for the people around him.

“You always think of everyone. That’s where your allowance usually goes!” Darla wrote in Filipino.

“You’d rather spend it on making other people happy than on yourself,” she added. “And that, to me, says so much about the person you are.”

Darla also said that the world needs more people like Josh.

“We see your kindness,” she said. “And we know that you have so much love to give.”

“Keep that beautiful heart of yours,” she added.

Dingdong Dantes

Meanwhile, Dingdong Dantes emphasized the responsibility that comes with having a public platform, condemning the use of entertainment as an excuse to demean others.

“The microphone and the stage come with responsibility,” he wrote in Filipino. “Humiliating others is not entertainment.”

“It is our duty to raise our standards, not just our volume,” he added.

Gabe Mercado

Comedian Gabe Mercado also spoke out, sharing his perspective as a father of a son with a congenital neurological condition.

“I take your kak*****n personally [Machong Chismisan],” he wrote. “All of us in the wider neurodivergent community do.”

“You chose the wrong people to bully with your poor and pa cool attempt at comedy,” he added.

Mark Leviste

Earlier, Mark Leviste, the former partner of Kris, also defended Josh amid the viral remarks, saying that the issue is personal to him as he treats Josh like his own son.

“Anyone who truly knows him will understand why the words spoken about him are deeply hurtful to those of us who love him,” he wrote in Filipino.

Michael Leyva

Michael Leyva also came to the defense of Josh and criticized the Machong Podcast for making fun of him and his disability.

“Making Kuya Josh the subject of your so-called ‘Machong Chismisan’ podcast and mocking his disability is not something that I or any of us should simply let slide,” he said.

“Kuya Josh is a genuinely kind and intelligent person who deserves all the love and support this world has to offer, not the hurtful words you used to make fun of him,” he added. “It is not funny, and it will never be funny.”

Boy Abunda

Boy Abunda also condemned the hosts' remarks on his talk show, "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," on Wednesday. He described their remarks as cruel and hurtful to Josh and other people with disabilities and their families.

"What you did goes against both God's law and human law. It is deeply painful. It is deeply painful not only for the family, but also for all families, children and parents whose children have disabilities,” Boy had said.

The controversy stemmed from a now-deleted “Machong Chismisan” episode titled “Ang Pagbabalik Ni Kris Aquino,” in which the hosts mocked Josh by comparing him with his younger brother, Bimby, and making remarks about his disability.

Following the backlash, the podcast took down the October 5 episode and apologized to those offended, the PWD community, and the people mentioned.

Earlier, The Pod Network announced that it had formally terminated its contract with “Machong Chismisan.” —JCB, GMA News