🔥 Did Joey de Leon Criticize Atasha Muhlach? Will He Return to Eat Bulaga? Dabarkads Speak Out! 🔴

Filipino entertainment has been buzzing with rumors surrounding veteran host Joey de Leon and the young star Atasha Muhlach. Whispers emerged that Joey had taken jabs at Atasha following her sudden absence from the midday show Eat Bulaga!, prompting speculation: was there tension between them? And amid ongoing shifts at the show, could Joey make a comeback to the iconic midday program? Here’s a full breakdown of what’s going on and what the Dabarkads are saying.

1. Atasha’s Unexpected Exit

Atasha Muhlach, daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, joined the Eat Bulaga franchise (later known as E.A.T.) as a promising new host in September 2023. Her arrival was warmly welcomed—especially by Joey himself, who memorably joked that her addition completed the title (“Eat BulAGA!”)—a clever reference to her father’s name entertainment.inquirer.net+15kami.com.ph+15balita.mb.com.ph+15.

However, by March–May 2025, Atasha’s presence dwindled. Fans began to notice she was missing from segments and live broadcasts. One entertainment site confirmed the cause: Atasha was fully focused on filming the Viva One series Bad Genius, making her schedule incompatible with the midday show . The show’s director, Derick Cabrido, explained:

“For now … as per Atasha, concentrate muna siya sa ‘Bad Genius.’ Kasi ang problem, conflict sa schedule namin, eh.”

Other fans on social media speculated similarly. On Reddit, one wrote:

“I think busy na siya sa Philippine adaptation ng Bad Genius ☺️” reddit.com+15reddit.com+15entertainment.inquirer.net+15

and another added:

“May new project siya e yung *bad genius… Sobrang ganda talaga non saka ang funny niya…” lionheartv.net+3eva.thebustednews.com+3reddit.com+3reddit.com

These reactions suggest audience support and no sign of internal discord.

2. Did Joey Criticize Atasha?

A rumor circulated that Joey had made dismissive remarks—or “bumbinatan”—directed at Atasha. However, there is no credible evidence or statement indicating any insult from Joey toward her. Instead, his initial welcoming wordplay in 2023 was playful and meant in good humor bandera.inquirer.net+2kami.com.ph+2balita.mb.com.ph+2.

In fact, Joey continues to address show-related rumors—like franchise rebranding or cancellation—with laughter. In April 2024, he said he was “natatawa at natutuwa” (laughing and pleased) by the talk surrounding Eat Bulaga, underscoring that he remains on good terms with the show’s trajectory philstar.com+15philnews.ph+15kami.com.ph+15.

No statements have surfaced showing tension between him and Atasha. On the contrary: there’s no hint of bad blood, only scheduling issues affecting her status.

3. Changes at Eat Bulaga and Joey’s Status

Understanding the broader context is key. The classic trio—Joey de Leon, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto—left the original Eat Bulaga! under TAPE Inc. in May 2023 due to managerial disputes eva.thebustednews.com+3lionheartv.net+3newsjer.com+3reddit.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14en.wikipedia.org+14. They debuted a new show on TV5 called E.A.T. (later reclaimed the Eat Bulaga! name) en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3kami.com.ph+3.

Meanwhile, TAPE Inc. continued airing Eat Bulaga! on GMA with a new cast until January 2024, when court rulings forced them to stop using the title .

As for Joey, he’s been very vocal defending the show and his co-hosts. In April 2024 he rejected rumors of conflicts with competing program It’s Showtime, commenting that they’ve “been neighbors for a long time” . In April 2024 he and Tito also dismissed rumors that the show was going bankrupt or ending. During a Gimme 5 episode, Joey challenged rumor‑mongers:

“Look for a show that can last for 45 years.”

It’s clear Joey remains active and supportive of the show’s continuity.

4. Will Joey Return?

In truth, Joey never left E.A.T./Eat Bulaga! under TVJ. He continues to host alongside Vic and Tito on TV5. The only real departure was from TAPE Inc.’s version of Eat Bulaga!, which also lost the rights to the title in court eva.thebustednews.com+13reddit.com+13philnews.ph+13balita.mb.com.ph+10en.wikipedia.org+10en.wikipedia.org+10.

Today, he remains full-time on TV5’s version. In April 2024, he dismissed rebranding rumors, emphasizing the show’s resilience and ability to keep viewers talking kami.com.ph+1entertainment.inquirer.net+1. So, he didn’t return—he never left.

5. What Dabarkads Are Saying

Fans and fellow Dabarkads have shown nothing but support for both Joey and Atasha. Many called Atasha an “eye candy” with brains and class en.wikipedia.org+13reddit.com+13kami.com.ph+13. None linked her exit to conflict. On the contrary: Reddit users chalked it up to scheduling and praised her approachability and style.

Regarding Joey, some online criticisms surfaced, claiming some of his jokes can be outdated or “cringe.” One user bluntly stated:

“Senile and clueless… Matagal na ganyan si Joey… bastos naman.” newsjer.com+1lionheartv.net+1reddit.com+6reddit.com+6reddit.com+6

But even that thread included comments defending him and highlighting fans’ affection for his style, portraying a complex but still engaged relationship with his audience.

6. Final Word

No, Joey de Leon did not publicly insult or criticize Atasha Muhlach. His interaction with her was lighthearted and welcoming.

Atasha left the TV5 show temporarily due to filmmaking commitments for Bad Genius. There is no suggestion of conflict behind the scenes.

Joey remains a mainstay of TV5’s E.A.T./Eat Bulaga!. He never left and is still actively hosting.

As one insider told Bandera regarding Atasha…

“If ever she wants to come back, she’ll always be welcome.” entertainment.inquirer.net+15newsjer.com+15balita.mb.com.ph+15reddit.com+3eva.thebustednews.com+3lionheartv.net+3

In the evolving landscape of noontime TV—legal battles, brand shifts, evolving casts—Eat Bulaga! remains anchored by Joey, Tito, and Vic. Atasha’s departure is a strategic career move, not a dramatic fallout. For fans (“Dabarkads”) rooting for a strong comeback, the playground is wide open—and the doors invite her return.

So rest assured: no villains here—only shifting schedules, evolving careers, and enduring camaraderie. The real show goes on, with the Dabarkads—classic and new—still together.