KUALA LUMPUR: Comedian and host Nabil Ahmad hopes that no one will feel slighted by his jokes while he continues to host the fourth season of popular reality TV singing competition, Gegar Vaganza (GV), currently airing on Astro Ria.
Nabil said that after receiving some constructive advice from Astro, he has decided to tone down his rowdy and edgy comedic style in order to avoid any further issues on the matter from cropping up.
"Yes, they have given me some pointers. If I have offended anyone, I do apologise. I will try my best to lessen any crass language or rowdy jokes that would possibly hurt the feelings of others,” said Nabil to BH Online.
On the first week of GV Season 4 recently, celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan, had expressed his concern that Nabil’s style was a little excessive to the point of being distracting, which interfered with the time given to the jury for comments.
Although he understood that Nabil and co-host Jihan Muse’s jokes were not intentionally laced with malice, Chef Wan didn’t agree with their bombastic comedic style which he felt was disrespectful to others.
Netizens also voiced their outrage on social media platforms and criticised Nabil’s hosting style and jokes, which they felt wasn’t suitable for a programme watched by viewers of all ages.
Meanwhile, Astro Ria and Ria HD channel manager, Emarina Mohd Kamal, said that she was aware of the situation and that Nabil’s edgy jokes had never made anyone involved with the show uncomfortable.
“Actually, no one, from the jury to the participants of GV, has ever felt slighted by Nabil. They have all become like family itself.”
“That said, I understand that the viewers would not be in the know and feel a little uncomfortable with Nabil’s comic style,” she said.
Emarina added that advice and reminders had been issued and that the production team was in control of the situation.
"We all know Nabil’s character. It’s normal to have a few slips of the tongue with words that some might find a little coarse.”
“For someone who is so used to joking and ribbing, there would be times when he forgets the fact that the programme is broadcasted live.”
“Whatever the case, I see Nabil’s hosting style as still somewhat controlled and appropriate. The programme also features a casual concept, so we can’t be too serious,” she said.