‘A Line Was Crossed’: Podcast Host Max Vassallo Files Police Report Over Online Allegations
The host of popular Maltese podcast Bajd u Bejken, Max Vassallo, has filed a criminal complaint against a woman who accused him of being a paedophile and mentally unstable in a Facebook video.
In a letter submitted to the police and seen by Lovin Malta, Vassallo’s legal team said the allegations, made by Moraine Labandero in a video published on 29th July, crossed a line and warrant criminal action.
The six-minute video, captioned “dedicated to Max tal bajd u bejken”, included several insults and serious allegations, including the suggestion that Vassallo is “attracted to children” and “not right in the head”.
At one point, Labandero states: “You don’t need to be a psychologist to realise that you like children, Max.” She also called on the police to investigate him.
The video has since garnered 62,000 views.
In replies to comments underneath the video, Labandero went further, insinuating that Vassallo’s own daughter should be checked, implying that he may have committed incest.
In the police report, Vassallo’s lawyer stated that while the podcast host is often subjected to public criticism, “there is a limit to everything and in this case the limit has been reached in every possible way.”
The formal complaint calls on Malta’s Executive Police to investigate and, if appropriate, proceed with criminal action against Labandero and any other individuals involved.
This development follows controversy earlier this year, when Bajd u Bejken showed an offensive photo during a live show of influencer Terry Muscat, known online as Terry ta’ Bormla.
That incident led to the resignation of co-host JD Patrick, who later issued a public apology.