Tito Sotto-Joey de Leon Controversial Arab Halloween Costume
Joey de Leon and Senator Tito Sotto who both showed the blatant use of Arabian clothing as their halloween costume recently triggered an online outrage from the Muslim community. The famous hosts of Eat Bulaga allegedly demonstrated lack of taste in showcasing their Halloween segment.
Several netizens were offended by the recent episode of Eat Bulaga when they noticed Sotto and de Leon's attire were totally outside the Halloween context. They argued that the hosts should have been more careful and sensitive when it comes to our brother's culture as the celebrities' action could further harm the relationship of the two opposing groups in the country.
In a deeper argument, a lot of netizens claimed that Sotto and de Leon were too disrespectful to the Muslim community. They stressed that the outfit isn't designed for Halloween parties but rather a daily dress being used by Arabs. The same clothing is also being worn when they present themselves to Allah during their gatherings at the Mosque.
Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) demanded for a public apology. In his official statement, the Muslim leader said;
“[ARMM government] takes offense at and is appalled by the stunt pulled on national TV by noontime show Eat Bulaga on Saturday, October 31 — where hosts Joey de Leon and Senator Tito Sotto came out dressed as Muslims for their Halloween Special.”
The Governor explained that the Islam clothing used by the hosts has a very significant value to them and should not be used as a scary costume for the Halloween.
Latest update of this news showed that Senator Sotto strongly denied the request of Governor Hataman.
Sotto said: “He (Hataman) is wrong! We were wearing an Arab costume. There are Arab Christians if I may remind him. I have been wearing that outfit for many years after a sheikh from Riyadh gave me one and asked me to wear it.”
On social media, both side (Christian and Muslim) are rapidly exchanging their ideas and opinions regarding the incident. Defenders of the longest noon time program believe that there was no sign of disrespect since the hosts did not verbally attack the Muslim community. However, it is very evident that more people were "disgusted" with the actions of Sotto and Joey de Leon. In a certain post, many believe that even majority of the Christians are not happy with the costume of the veteran hosts.