Michael Leyva calls out 'Machong Chismisan' hosts for making fun of Josh Aquino

• Celebrated fashion designer Michael Leyva took to Instagram to publicly slam the hosts of the 'Machong Chismisan' podcast for mocking Kris Aquino's eldest son, Josh Aquino
• Michael firmly stated that poking fun at Kuya Josh and mocking his condition is something that should never simply be let slide
• Highlighting Josh's gentle nature, Michael stressed that he is a genuinely kind and intelligent person who deserves love
• Calling out the hosts for taking down the controversial episode, the designer warned that deleting the video from YouTube will not erase the incident from social media as well

Michael Leyva, a renowned Filipino fashion designer, did not hold back in expressing his anger after Kris Aquino’s eldest son, Josh Aquino, was made the subject of offensive remarks online.

Michael, who shares a well-known, tight-knit bond with the 'Queen of All Media' and her family, took to his official Instagram Stories @michaelleyva_ to re-share a clip from a now-deleted episode of the Machong Chismisan podcast.

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In the snippet circulating across social media, the hosts were seen casually laughing while one of them was making rude and disparaging comments directed at Kuya Josh.

Appalled by the lack of respect shown toward someone with special needs, Michael called out the group directly:

"I just found out that there's a video circulating online of these grown men making fun of Kuya Joshua Aquino. Making Kuya Josh the subject of your so-called 'Machong Chismisan' podcast and mocking his disability is not something that I or any of us should simply let slide."

Reiterating that Kuya Josh is deeply loved and cared for, Michael defended Josh's character as well:

"Kuya Josh is a genuinely kind and intelligent person who deserves all the love and support this world has to offer, not the hurtful words you used to make fun of him."

Michael made it clear that using another person’s vulnerabilities for cheap humor crosses the line: "It is not funny, and it will never be funny."

While the podcast creators quickly pulled down the offending episode following widespread backlash from viewers, Michael reminded them that erasing content does not equal taking genuine responsibility:

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"Deleting the video from your YouTube channel will not make this issue go away. The internet keeps receipts. Good luck. 🙂"

The designer's strong defense of Kuya Josh quickly resonated with fans and online communities, with many condemning the podcast's insensitivity and rallying behind the Aquino family.

Kris Aquino is one of the most recognizable figures in Philippine media, having built a long career as a television host, actress, and producer while belonging to a prominent political family. She is the youngest child of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino, and the sister of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Known for her candid personality and strong on-screen presence, she earned the nickname “Queen of All Media” after leading numerous talk shows, game shows, and films. Her filmography includes box-office horror hits Feng Shui and Sukob.

As previously reported by KAMI, Netflix Philippines posted a viral promo video featuring Kris Aquino. In the video, Kris was assigned as Netflix’s "C.H.I.K.A." or Chief Head of Insight and Kontent Analysis. The video showed Kris taking charge of an editing room, giving hilarious notes to upgrade the shows. The campaign highlighted local shows receiving her signature stamp of approval.

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Meanwhile, Kris Aquino hopes to live long enough to reach 60 and qualify for senior citizen and PWD benefits. She expressed gratitude for turning 55 despite ongoing battles with autoimmune diseases and recent medical procedures. Aquino shared progress in her recovery, including walking unaided after weeks of hospitalization. She also spoke about supporting her son’s career too.

Source: KAMI.com.gh