Joy Barcoma on 'Dogshow Divas' exit: 'It's really about protecting myself'

Joy Barcoma has explained her decision to step away from guest-hosting the “Dogshow Divas” podcast, saying she wanted to protect her mental health after learning about comments on her appearances.

In an interview on Michelle Dy’s “Make Up Sessions” podcast, the Miss Earth Philippines 2025 titleholder said she doesn't personally read the comments, but her fans were informing her about them.

“I was more affected by the fact that they were affected by what was happening to me. I was in the dark because I didn't know about the comments about me,” Joy said in Filipino.

She said she decided to leave the podcast before the situation could begin affecting her mental well-being.

“I don't care what a person, a thing, or a job offers me if the cost is my mental health,” Joy said, adding she would rather step away while she was still enjoying the experience than stay longer and suffer in the long run.

“I'd rather leave the podcast while it's still making me happy than stay longer and suffer in the long run. It's really about protecting myself. And I'm happy because even though I left the podcast, my episodes are still there. So if you miss me on the podcast, just watch those episodes, right?” she said.

Joy said she informed the podcast's hosts, Baus Rufo and Macoy Dubs, as well as the production team before she made her announcement public.

“Things were okay with them,” she said. “They said they fully supported my decision. And that's what I loved about it because it's difficult to be in a space where you're not wanted. Well, there are also many people who like me on Dogshow, and I appreciate their support. But for me, my fans were already being affected by what was happening.”

In her interview, Joy emphasized she enjoyed her time with the podcast's hosts.

“I really was happy on Dogshow Divas. I really love Macoy, Baus, and Miss Tuesday. So if I were to do it again, I'd do it again, but maybe without an audience. Just the group of us,” she said.

"Dogshow Divas" is founded by Baus Rufo and Macoy Dubs. In March, Joy started appearing on the podcast as a guest-host.

Last month, Joy announced her departure, saying she was aware of the comments about her guest appearances, though she did not provide further context.

The podcast then expressed gratitude toward Joy, stressing that they “will never condone or tolerate hate in any form.” — Carby Basina/LA, GMA News