'Walang nahampas': Jonas Gaffud's MUPH staff member denies being hurt in viral video

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MANILA, Philippines — A staff member of Miss Universe Philippines president Jonas Gaffud defended the executive after a viral video supposedly showed Gaffud striking him with a phone.

The video was taken during the coronation night of Miss Universe Philippines 2026 on May 2, when technical difficulties occurred during a segment involving Ralph de Leon.

After repeated issues, a frustrated Gaffud can be seen tapping his phone on the table before making a more forceful motion, causing one person near him to flinch.

The man in the video who appeared to have been struck by the executive is Marv Ayao, a digital creator and talent handler who works closely with Gaffud. Ayao clarified the incident on his social media accounts.

Ayao said Gaffud, whom he referred to as Mama J, was irritated by the production issues even as Ayao tried to make him laugh.

"Gigil na siya sa phone niya, nagte-text, tumatawag siya sa prod kaso wala nasagot sa kanya at walang signal din sa loob ng venue. Tapos wala rin lumalapit," Ayao said.

"Gusto niya kasi na pag may palpak sana ready sila na mag labas ng video sa live para hindi bakante yung show," he added.

Ayao said that when Gaffud slammed his phone on the table, he "dodged" because he was trying to copy Bacolod-based content creator Johnmark Gon, whom Gaffud found funny.

"Hindi niya naman hinampas phone niya galit lang tsaka malayo ang phone niya sa mukha ko at hawak niya parin ang phone niya," Ayao clarified. "Hahaha so wala pong nanakit at walang nahampas on that night."

Ayao also said he would always accompany Gaffud during travels and family events, even calling himself the executive's favorite.

"Parang MaMa na po turi ko kay Mama J. Kaya hindi po totoo yung mga kumakalat na kwento sa social media. And I. Thank you," Ayao said.

Pageant figures show support

Past national titleholders Celeste Cortesi, Rabiya Mateo and Chelsea Manalo shared their support for both Gaffud and Ayao through Instagram comments.

Ariella Arida, the 2013 winner and Miss Universe Philippines national director, also poked fun at Ayao’s claim that he was Gaffud’s favorite.

Gazini Ganados, the 2019 titleholder and a jury member who was also visible in the viral video, commented to support Ayao’s statement that Gaffud did not violently hurt anyone.

Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026 and will represent the country in the diamond edition of Miss Universe later this year in Puerto Rico.

RELATED: Voltaire Tayag explains viral video of MUPH president Jonas Gaffud