Comedy Writer's Joke Theft Accusation Backfires, Leads to Legal Threat and Public Apology

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In a development that highlights the serious implications of social media accusations, comedy writer Chito Francisco has issued a public apology to fellow writer Alex Calleja over claims of joke theft, while Calleja's legal team has responded with a stern warning about cyberlibel.

The controversy centered around a car wash joke, which Francisco had accused Calleja of stealing. However, according to the documents, Calleja had evidence showing he had written the joke first. The situation escalated when Francisco's accusations went viral on social media, reportedly leading to public backlash against Calleja.

In his public apology, Francisco expressed deep regret, acknowledging that his comments had caused "undue harm" to Calleja, whom he described as "a gentle soul." The statement detailed how the viral nature of these accusations on social media had negatively impacted Calleja's personal and professional life, including damage to his credibility and career.

The apology was particularly notable for its comprehensive nature, with Francisco stating, "I was wrong in accusing Alex of stealing a joke he wrote." He also called on other bloggers and social media users who had shared his false statements to take them down and help minimize the damage.

However, the situation took a legal turn when Calleja Law Office, representing Alex Calleja, issued an official statement and warning to the public on February 15, 2025. The law firm cited Section 4(c)(4) of the Cybercrime Act, which addresses libel committed through digital means. The statement served as a clear warning that any future defamatory statements about Calleja would be met with legal action, including potential criminal prosecution.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of how social media accusations can have serious real-world consequences, both for the accused and the accuser. It also highlights the evolving legal landscape surrounding online defamation and the increasing willingness of parties to pursue legal remedies for cyberlibel.

The case underscores the importance of verification before making public accusations, particularly in the comedy industry where joke theft allegations can significantly impact a performer's reputation and livelihood.

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