Seems like religion is a pretty touchy subject these days, especially for celebrities.
Now it’s Toni Gonzaga’s turn to get some flak for weighing in on the Lady Gaga controversy on ABS-CBN’s showbiz talk show “The Buzz” Sunday afternoon.
After presenting a video report on the recent issues surrounding the controversial pop star including the sides of those who wanted to stop or tame her Born This Way Ball concert at the SM MOA Arena, “The Buzz” hosts Boy Abunda, Charlene Gonzalez and Toni Gonzaga proceeded with their usual panel discussion on the matter.
All three agreed that they respect Lady Gaga’s way of expressing herself through her music and leave it up to people to decide how it should be interpreted.
The exchange took a heated turn when Boy asked Toni what she thought of all the uproar.
The actress-TV host then replied, “Personally, I liked Lady Gaga before, especially yung first song pa lang nya. Pero eventually nung napansin ko na medyo nga nagkakaroon ng double meaning yung mga succeeding songs nya, I stopped listening to her music.”
Boy then turned to Charlene for her thoughts about Lady Gaga. “Personally, I really like Lady Gaga and I think you can choose the good and leave out the bad,” the former beauty queen chimed in.
It was then that Toni became more defensive of her views and shot back, “No, but hindi ba, you are what you listen to. Kung ano yung pinakikinggan mo, eventually, subconsciously, nagiging ganun na rin, it affects your mind, especially music.”
Charlene then said, “I don’t agree that if you listen to a certain type of music, it will change the way you think or what you believe in life. It’s all about having the proper discernment. If you are strong to the core in your belief of who you are as a person, I don’t think if somebody does something bad, you’ll also be like that if you see or listen to it everyday.”
“If you’re strong, but what if you’re weak?” Toni asked in her reply.
Before things became more heated between the two, Boy stepped in and gave his two cents worth. He admitted to not being a fan of Lady Gaga and felt uncomfortable with watching her videos, particularly the one on “Judas.”
At the same time, however, the veteran TV host said that he believes in freedom of expression and acknowledged the artistry and even brilliance of the pop diva.
Almost immediately after that portion of the show, Toni’s remarks became a trending topic on Twitter as many users expressed their disappointment over her views, with some even going as far as linking YouTube videos of her performing Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face.”
Among the more critical and personal tweets came from Twitter user NuncaValderama (@NuncaValderama) who tweeted, “Dear ABS-CBN, shame on you for giving a Toni Gonzaga the platform to parade on national television her Antiquated Brand of Morality! #yuck” and “Sometimes, NACACAHIYANG maging Filipino when you have the likes of hypocrita Lito Atenza & perennial starlet Toni Gonzaga shouting NONSENSE.”
Twitter user Ivy Barcelon (@ibabarcelon) posted, ‘Disappointed when I heard Toni gonzaga’s thoughts on lady gaga. This coming from a person who is in a show with women who gyrate.”
Alfonso Lopez (@ALFIEtrinket) tweeted, “Dear Toni Gonzaga, you’re a close-minded, uneducated, unprofessional, disrespectful singer/host/artist/performer. You disgust me.”
And never at a loss for words, activist Carlos Celdran (@carlosceldran) tweeted, “It’s the day of kabobohan. Toni Gonzaga. Ikaw pala ang tunay na Lady Gaga. Are you for real?”
Meanwhile, Twitter users responded more positively to the opinions expressed by Boy and Charlene on “The Buzz” even as they remained critical of Toni’s remarks.
Ewan Koh (@iamkrap) tweeted, “Charlene Gonzalez just earned my respect with her comments about Lady Gaga. Toni just proved the she’s an idiot.”
And Kyla (@_kylayuekey) (not the singer) posted this tweet, “I love Mr. Boy Abunda and Ms. Charlene Gonzalez’ opinion on Lady Gaga’s issue. Very open minded. Toni Gonzaga is pa-know it all!”
Toni does not have a Twitter account.
