"On The Wings of Love" actor James Reid is under fire for his recent "disrespectful" striptease in the ABS-CBN primetime soap. The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has reportedly summoned the management behind the show after the Philippine National Police (PNP) complained about a scene in the January 11 episode, in which Reid was seen wearing a police uniform while performing a sexy number.
In the official letter sent by MTRCB Chairman Atty. Toto Villareal to ABS-CBN, he explained that the "the strip tease scene of Reid did not properly reflect a policeman's duty to enforce the law and assist citizens."
While the network has issued an apology, claiming that it was not their intention to disrespect the PNP, Villareal pointed out that ABS-CBN failed to specify further steps that they would do to prevent similar instances from happening. He pointed out that stricter measures were necessary.
The letter is addressed to ABS-CBN business unit heads Kylie Manalo-Balagtas and Julie Ann Benitez, "OTWOL" director Antoinette Jadaone, executive producer Arnel Nacario and head writer Benedict Mique.
The meeting between the producers and MTRCB is set to happen on January 25.
According to Inquirer, netizens were also offended with the "On The Wings Of Love" scene. They held that Reid was being disrespectful of the police force. Some also blamed the writers behind the primetime soap, pointing out that they had been "irresponsible" in crafting such a risqué scene.
On his Facebook page, police officer Geoff Lim wrote that he was "infuriated" to see their uniform being degraded. He pointed out that policemen had to undergo several trainings just to have the privilege of wearing the uniform.
"Remember that we sacrificed and endured hardship and training just to wear this. Can't the writers think of any other scene rather than this?" he asked.
Many also called for the MTRCB to fully review all shows before it airs on television.
In the scene, Reid was giving onscreen partner Nadine Lustre a lap dance, while wearing a PNP general office uniform during her bridal shower. He also wore a Quezon City Police District badge and an SPO4 rank.