Award-winning director Joel Lamangan faced online backlash after his recent comments about the Sandro Muhlach sexual assault case.
“Noon pa, meron nang ganun, day! Hindi lang nabubulgar, Diyos ko! Panahon pa ng kopong-kopong, meron na yun. Diyos ko! Ilang mga artista na naging leading man at sumikat, na nanggaling sa bading. Andami,” Lamangan said.
Netizens reacted strongly to his remarks, particularly in light of recent rumors involving a prominent director accused of sexual abuse.
The controversy intensified when actor Ahron Villena hinted at a similar experience with an unnamed director.
“May nakita akong post nagsalita pala ‘etong direktor na eto na matagal na daw nangyari ‘yung mga ganoong scenario? Parang proud na proud ka pa. Eh kung sabihin ko kaya na isa ako do’n sa mga artistang naexploit at ikaw ‘yun!” Ahron wrote.
Although Ahron did not explicitly name the director, speculation grew that his accusation might be directed at Lamangan.
The situation escalated when a viral Facebook post from a certain “Joel Lamangan” on Monday, Aug. 26, cast further doubt on the credibility of the male celebrity and suggested potential connections within the industry.
“Paano ka inabuso kung iyon naman ay iyong ginusto? Ikaw pa nga ang may sabi na isubo. Kaya ka hindi kinukuha sa leading man roles ay dahil alam sa buong network at production circles na bakla ka,” the post read.
In a statement sent to ABS-CBN News, Lamangan clarified that the post was not his and denied any involvement.
“No. Hindi ako ‘yan, poser ‘yan, scammer!” said the veteran director.
