MANILA, Philippines — Social media is in full meltdown mode as netizens explode over a now-viral video showing actress-comedienne Kiray Celis in what many are calling a disrespectful, humiliating incident involving none other than the Diamond Star herself, Maricel Soriano.

The explosive footage — which has already garnered over 3 million views on TikTok and Facebook in less than 24 hours — has sparked a nationwide backlash and reignited long-standing conversations about respect in showbiz, especially when it comes to screen legends like Soriano.

🎥 THE VIDEO THAT SHOCKED EVERYONE

In the now-infamous clip, Kiray Celis is seen engaging in a skit-style prank segment during a taping break for a variety show. Things start out light and playful — until she suddenly turns to Maricel Soriano and makes a joke that left the entire room in stunned silence.

“Eh kasi po, feeling laging bida, kahit matanda na!” Kiray said with a laugh, pointing at Maricel.

The Diamond Star’s face visibly dropped.

“Don’t cross that line,” Maricel replied sharply, her tone calm but ice-cold.

A brief silence follows. Then, Maricel stood up and walked off camera — leaving everyone, including the hosts and crew, frozen in shock.

⚠️ BACKLASH IMMEDIATE: “YOU DON’T DO THAT TO A LEGEND”

Within hours, the video was clipped, reposted, and dissected online — and the public fury was overwhelming.

“Kiray disrespected a living legend. PERIOD,” one fan commented on Twitter, now known as X.

“She may be a comedienne, but that wasn’t funny. That was cruel,” another wrote.

Veteran entertainment writers also weighed in. Lolit Solis called the act “a perfect example of how today’s young stars are losing touch with basic manners.” Ogie Diaz commented in his vlog, “You don’t joke about someone’s age or status like that, lalo na if it’s Maricel. She paved the way for people like Kiray.”

👑 WHO IS MARICEL SORIANO? WHY THIS HITS HARDER

Maricel Soriano is not just any actress. She’s an icon. With a career spanning four decades, countless awards, and timeless performances, she is widely considered one of the greatest actresses in Philippine cinema.

Fans believe the issue isn’t just about a joke — it’s about disrespecting a trailblazer, someone who has earned the reverence of an entire industry.

“You don’t clown the woman who made it possible for you to even have a career,” a Maricel fan page posted. “Kiray crossed a sacred line.”

https://youtu.be/ZzIfFSOjpK4

😢 KIRAY CELIS SPEAKS OUT: APOLOGY OR DAMAGE CONTROL?

By midnight, Kiray took to Instagram Live to address the growing outrage.

“I was just joking po… I love and respect Ms. Maricel so much. I didn’t mean to offend her. I hope people don’t misinterpret what happened…”

But the comments section was brutal.

“Too late. The damage is done.”

“Apology accepted… by your fans maybe, but did Maricel accept it?”

As of writing, Maricel Soriano has not released any official statement. Insiders, however, say she was “deeply hurt” and has requested to be excused from future collaborations involving Kiray.

📺 WHAT THIS MEANS FOR KIRAY’S CAREER: SUSPENSION? BLACKLIST?

Entertainment analysts say the backlash might cost Kiray more than just followers.

“She’s built her image on being funny and bold, but this incident may have just crossed into career-damaging territory,” said a GMA insider.

There are even unconfirmed reports that brands are reconsidering partnerships, and that a network executive has suggested suspending her appearances until the controversy dies down.

💥 A LESSON FOR THE INDUSTRY: KNOW YOUR LIMITS

This scandal has reignited conversations about respect, hierarchy, and the dangers of clout-chasing.

In a time when viral moments often trump professionalism, this incident has reminded everyone — from newcomers to veteran stars — that there is still a line that must never be crossed.

As one tweet put it best:

“It takes years to build a reputation… and one bad joke to ruin it.

Kiray Celis ‘feels like an adult’ to Maricel Soriano, netizens say: ‘No respect’
Actress-turned-content creator Kiray Celis has received various criticisms for the way she talks to Diamond Star Maricel Soriano.

On her Facebook page, Maricel shared a video from her vlog two years ago where she interviewed the former “Goin’ Bulilit” star about her beauty tips.

“You’re so beautiful, baby! Share it [heart emoji],” the caption on the video of Maricel and Kiray. The two can be seen chatting and joking comfortably.

“I’m laughing because I came to your vlog this time. Because you can’t get anything from me. I’m really into beauty tips, huh? Your staff is also crazy. I’m really into beauty tips,” said Kiray.

Maricel was about to speak but the actress continued to tease. “All I can give is tips on life but beauty, it seems like it’s hard to give,” Kiray added.

Netizens’ reactions to the two’s video can be seen in the comment section.

“Your attitude matches your looks, you have no respect for your elders. Maricel is no. Top actress in the Philippines, that’s how you talk,” said one netizen.

Another commented, “You feel like you’re on the same level as the person you’re talking to. You have little respect not only because she’s Maricel Soriano, but because she’s older than you. You’re also being rude, you have no respect.”

“Hey, Kiray, have a little respect for the person you’re talking to.. That’s the diamond star, you’re not on the same level.. Awkward to watch you here with reactions, but Ms. Maricel, you’re just being a jerk, you’re just being mean,” said another.

A netizen defended the girl and said that the way the girl talks is because she is close to Diamond Star.

“They are really super close. You just don’t see them much on social media. Ms. Maricel is her daughter and Kiray’s daughter,” the netizen defended.

If you watch the entire vlog on Maricel’s YouTube channel, you will see that she is really close to the girl who also became her daughter in the movie “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy”.

The banter between Maricel and Kiray is also normal, which is a sign of the deep relationship between the two