A few hours after comedian Vice Ganda made a public apology on the May 29 episode of his noontime show It’s Showtime, broadcaster Jessica Soho, who was the subject of the controversial “rape joke” that Vice had apologized for, released a statement acknowledging Vice’s message.

"I acknowledge the public apology given by Vice Ganda, by way of his TV program. I sincerely hope and pray that this was done with the purest intentions and determination to put this issue behind us," Jessica had written in an email sent by GMA Network to PEP.ph.

She also clarified a few details about Vice’s earlier attempt to apologize to her through a phone call.

"Just to clarify certain points about my phone conversation with him— his call came without warning as his number was not programmed in my phone directory," she explained. "I told him I wasn't feeling well and I wasn't sure I was ready to talk to him. But I clearly remember thanking him for his call."

In a separate article on PEP.ph, Vice also said that he had learned a lot from the controversy.

"Maging maingat, magkaroon ka ng humility sa sarili (be careful, be humble), and learn from each and every experience that you have,” he remarked when he was asked about what the ordeal taught him.

But despite this, Vice still says that he has no intention of changing his comedy style.

"'Pag binago ko ito, hindi na ito si Vice Ganda. Pero magiging responsable ako (If I change this, I wouldn’t be Vice Ganda anymore. But I will be more responsible),” he said.

(Photos courtesy of PEP.ph)