Mediacorp and Channel 8 have come under fire online over the portrayal of a negative gay stereotype in a drama, with LGBTQ-friendly brand Heckin' Unicorn and netizens demanding a proper public apology.
Screenshots of the episode featuring the gay character circulated widely on Twitter and Instagram, with many netizens calling for Mediacorp to apologise and accusing the show of promoting homophobia through hurtful and discriminatory stereotypes. LGBTQ-friendly fashion brand Heckin' Unicorn joined the criticism in an Instagram post, calling on Mediacorp and Channel 8 to issue a proper apology and to stop creating negative portrayals of the LGBTQ community, adding that discrimination should not be condoned.
Mediacorp responded by clarifying the character portrayal, stating that there was no intent to cause harm, a response that critics said missed the point. Heckin' Unicorn said the 'lack of intent' does not undo the harm already caused, and netizens called on the broadcaster to issue a proper public apology instead of burying one in a comments section, and to recognise how the show had promoted homophobia. The brand even offered to recommend professionals who could help Mediacorp develop non-discriminatory working practices.
Separately, actor Chase Tan, who played the role, apologised on Instagram, saying he was deeply saddened that the role he played had caused distress in the community and emphasising that it was never his intention. 'I am an aspiring actor and every opportunity given to me is precious. I do not mean to disrespect anyone in the process,' he wrote, adding that he had worked alongside talented LGBTQ individuals over the years and would strive to do better.
The controversy is the latest in a series of representation flashpoints for Singapore's national broadcaster, which has previously been criticised over racial portrayals, including the infamous 'brownface' e-payment advertisement. It reflects a broader tension between traditional broadcasters and increasingly vocal online audiences who expect more thoughtful depictions of minority communities on mainstream television. The dispute over where the apology was published became a controversy in itself. Netizens argued that an apology buried in a comments section, rather than issued as a proper public statement, showed the broadcaster did not grasp the seriousness of the offence, a criticism Heckin' Unicorn echoed when it said 'lack of intent' does not undo harm. For Chase Tan, the episode illustrates the impossible position of working actors handed problematic roles: he described every opportunity as precious, apologised sincerely, and pledged to do better, yet still faced calls for accountability simply for having played the part. Industry commentators noted that the real responsibility lies with writers, directors and commissioners who create such characters, not the actors who portray them. Mediacorp has not announced any concrete changes to its portrayal guidelines, and advocacy groups say that without structural reform, the cycle of stereotype, backlash and half-apology will simply repeat with the next drama.