By JOSEPH HOLANDES UBALDE
A Filipino-American comedian is in hot water for using offensive and derogatory remarks against homosexuals during his Illinois performance.
Jo Koy (Joseph Glenn Herbert in real life), reportedly shouted “fucking faggot” at an audience member in Chicago’s Vic Theater on Wednesday 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 dace 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?”
On Friday, Perez Hilton lambasted Jo Koy for his homophobic remarks, “This is hugely offensive,” he said in his blog, perezhilton.com.
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.
Meanwhile, Jo Koy issued an apology following the incident.
“I sincerely apologize for the incredibly foul word I chose to use on stage last night in Chicago,” Jo Koy said in his Twitter account.
“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,” he added.
Following his homophobic remarks, some of his fans on Twitter threatened to boycott his show and un-follow him in the microblogging site.
Aside from his stand up stint, Jo Koy is known for his regular guestings in E! Network’s “Chelsea Lately” Show. He also received a standing ovation after performing at the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Born to a Filipina mother, Jo Koy often references his Filipino heritage in his act.