Social media was ablaze this week after Showtime Online Ü host and digital content creator AC Soriano made a cutting remark aimed at veteran beauty and fashion icons Ricky Reyes and Renee Salud. The controversy erupted after both figures made headlines for airing their disapproval of same-sex marriage and expressing pointed views about the LGBTQIA+ community in a now-viral Toni Talks interview with multimedia personality Toni Gonzaga-Soriano.

In the interview, Reyes and Salud — long regarded as influential names in the beauty and fashion industries — described what they saw as “entitlement” from some LGBTQIA+ individuals. They also openly opposed same-sex marriage, drawing sharp criticism and disappointment from the very community they have long worked alongside professionally.

Enter AC Soriano. Quoting a news report on X (formerly Twitter), the influencer retweeted the article and added a remark that quickly went viral:
“We’re also not in favor of your haircuts, which you both seem to think look good on you :)”

The post, laced with sarcasm, ignited debate across platforms. Some users applauded AC’s boldness in calling out outdated views with humor, while others accused them of hypocrisy — arguing that tolerance must apply both ways.

The responses ranged widely. Some users argued that Reyes and Salud were simply expressing personal views and deserved respect in return. Others fired back, saying that respect becomes void when it undermines the dignity of a marginalized group. Critics questioned why two prominent figures in LGBTQIA+-dominated industries would make statements many considered regressive, even harmful.

Doubling down, AC later posted a video of Vice Ganda delivering a stirring speech at a Pride event. The It’s Showtime host passionately asserted the right of LGBTQIA+ people to dignity, freedom, and love.
“MY MOTHER,” AC wrote — a show of solidarity and reverence for Vice’s message.

Vice Ganda’s words resonated powerfully:
“Privilege should not be yours alone — it should be everyone’s right.”

As of writing, neither Ricky Reyes nor Renee Salud has responded to the backlash or issued follow-up statements. Their silence has only fueled more speculation over whether they intend to clarify or stand firm.

At its core, the conflict reflects deeper tensions within Filipino society — even within industries considered havens of queer expression. For many like AC Soriano, the fight isn’t about social media clout. It’s about reclaiming respect, challenging internalized bias, and refusing to be silenced.

Because in a community that has had to fight for every right, every clapback is more than shade. It’s resistance.