Duh? Horticulturist?

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In the promotion of a movie, the actors in the movie were interviewed by showbiz writers one on one. A respected showbiz writer (SW) asked hunky actor (HA) regarding his role in the movie. Here is the
conversation:

SW: So, HA, your role is a horticulturist?

HA: Ay, ambastos mo naman. Anong t*k*l? (Then he flashed his sheepish smile.)

SW did not react and merely pretended he did not hear the response of HA. However, another writer overheard their conversation and sent a message to someone who is close to the actor. The message of the writer was simple – "please inform HA what horticulturist means."

Now, is there a connection between this incident and the reported absence of HA in the more recent press con of the movie?