By Joseph Holandes Ubalde,VERA Files | The Inbox
A Filipino-American has apologized after he found himself in hot water for his use of offensive, anti-gay remark during a performance in Chicago June 15.
"I sincerely apologize for the incredibly foul word I chose to use on stage last night in Chicago. It was a moment that I regret. I realize that words can be hurtful , which is never my intent. I'm truly saddened if I offended anyone with my poor choice of words, particularly the gay community. Homophobia is not funny," Jokoy tweeted the day after the incident .
Jo Koy (Joseph Glenn Herbert in real life), reportedly shouted "fucking faggot" at an audience member in Chicago's Vic Theater during the Just For Laughs Festival.
At one point during his act, Jo Koy reportedly danced in a feminine way and said: "I made this dance extra gay since I am not gay." Then a couple of female fans in the front row started screaming and pointed to his zipper, which was open.
One guy in the audience shouted: "I saw it."
This prompted the comedian to say: "What are you looking at, fucking faggot? "
Two days after the incident, celebrity blogger and television personality Perez Hilton lambasted Jo Koy for his homophobic remarks, "This is hugely offensive," he said in his blog www.perezhilton.com.
Jokoy's apology generated mixed reactions from his Twitter followers. One named "Eddie" said he was thinking of not going to his next show.
Someone named "Paris" lectured Jokoy on "responsibility" and "character."
"Using such bigotted words only proves you are a bigot..Nothing funny about that at all. Sorry apology not so easily accepted. Shame on you," "Paris" said.
"Tanoai", on the other hand said, "That's okay, we still love U."
"Mecdc5" gave him credit for apologizing. "I see people encouraging your use for offensive slang because your a comedian. I don't believe that title gives you or anyone else the right to degrade others. However, we are all human and I think its awesome that you took the time to apologize."
Perez also hit Jo Koy for an earlier stand up performance where he reportedly threatened to stab to death his son if he catches him in bed with another boy.
"There is nothing funny about threatening violence against anybody," Perez added.
Perez likened Jo Koy to fellow comedian and TV star Tracy Morgan who earlier fired several homophobic remarks during his stand up show.
Morgan was quoted as saying that he will kill his son if he turns gay. The '30 Rock' star has been widely criticized by fellow actors and gay advocates. He has issued an apology since then.
Born to a Filipina mother, Jo Koy often references his Filipino heritage in his act.
***
VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for "true."
Download our free toolbar here
Jokoy apology tweet
A Filipino-American has apologized after he found himself in hot water for his use of offensive, anti-gay remark during a performance in Chicago June 15.
"I sincerely apologize for the incredibly foul word I chose to use on stage last night in Chicago. It was a moment that I regret. I realize that words can be hurtful , which is never my intent. I'm truly saddened if I offended anyone with my poor choice of words, particularly the gay community. Homophobia is not funny," Jokoy tweeted the day after the incident .
Jo Koy (Joseph Glenn Herbert in real life), reportedly shouted "fucking faggot" at an audience member in Chicago's Vic Theater during the Just For Laughs Festival.
At one point during his act, Jo Koy reportedly danced in a feminine way and said: "I made this dance extra gay since I am not gay." Then a couple of female fans in the front row started screaming and pointed to his zipper, which was open.
One guy in the audience shouted: "I saw it."
This prompted the comedian to say: "What are you looking at, fucking faggot? "
Two days after the incident, celebrity blogger and television personality Perez Hilton lambasted Jo Koy for his homophobic remarks, "This is hugely offensive," he said in his blog www.perezhilton.com.
Jokoy's apology generated mixed reactions from his Twitter followers. One named "Eddie" said he was thinking of not going to his next show.
Someone named "Paris" lectured Jokoy on "responsibility" and "character."
"Using such bigotted words only proves you are a bigot..Nothing funny about that at all. Sorry apology not so easily accepted. Shame on you," "Paris" said.
"Tanoai", on the other hand said, "That's okay, we still love U."
"Mecdc5" gave him credit for apologizing. "I see people encouraging your use for offensive slang because your a comedian. I don't believe that title gives you or anyone else the right to degrade others. However, we are all human and I think its awesome that you took the time to apologize."
Perez also hit Jo Koy for an earlier stand up performance where he reportedly threatened to stab to death his son if he catches him in bed with another boy.
"There is nothing funny about threatening violence against anybody," Perez added.
Perez likened Jo Koy to fellow comedian and TV star Tracy Morgan who earlier fired several homophobic remarks during his stand up show.
Morgan was quoted as saying that he will kill his son if he turns gay. The '30 Rock' star has been widely criticized by fellow actors and gay advocates. He has issued an apology since then.
Born to a Filipina mother, Jo Koy often references his Filipino heritage in his act.
***
VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for "true."
