Maris Racal has finally addressed the cheating scandal involving her and actor Anthony Jennings, which erupted after his ex-girlfriend, Jam Villanueva, exposed their private conversations online.
In a tearful interview with ABS-CBN News, the actress confirmed the rumors that had been circulating for months. She revealed that the affair began in June 2024, a period of vulnerability following her breakup with singer Rico Blanco.
"It all started last June of 2024. I was in a very dark place. I was lonely. And I was getting attention for my thing. The kind of attention that I needed.
When I sensed that there was this brewing attraction between Anthony and I, nadala ko sa emotions ko. And I knew that was wrong. I came clean right away. I told my ex everything. And I admitted things to him. And then we broke up," Racal said.
"It wasn't easy. It was...It was very hard for me too. I announced the breakup. The reason why I became so, so emotional during the interview because I was holding back a truth. Yan yung totoo.
I wasn't really able to simmer down. I wasn't able to reflect on what had happened.
I was working every day for days… straight weeks, straight months. Bago nagsimula yung mga dami trabaho namin, I told Anthony that I broke up with my ex. And he also said the same thing," she added.
Racal admitted to being drawn to the attention she received from Jennings, and she acknowledged the wrongfulness of her actions. She emphasized that she was honest with Blanco about the situation before their separation.
"Mind you, I was in a very lonely place. I was so lonely. And I was so vulnerable at that time. Like everybody, nakakabreak lang. You would be so vulnerable. I was working every day. At sa lahat ng trabaho na yun, kasama ko si Anthony. Aaminin ko, sa araw-araw na punta trabaho namin, nahulog din yung loob ko."
The actress also shed light on the dynamics between her and Jennings during their work projects. She explained that they were both single at the time, and Jennings's affectionate behavior and assurances of his single status led her to develop feelings for him.
"I would ask him. God knows I asked him. Nagkabalikan ba kayo? He said no. Did you still love her? He said no. He would say things na ‘ako yung gusto niya’ and all. I really asked him so many times.
And then the first wave of bashing on TikTok. Masakit yun para sa akin.
I asked him, when are you gonna release a statement na wala na kayo? When? Because in the eyes of the public, you were taken. But I know that you're not."
The situation escalated during their trip to Italy in September, where their relationship deepened. Upon their return, Racal became aware of Villanueva's social media posts hinting at betrayal and heartbreak. Despite her concerns, Jennings continued to deny his relationship with Villanueva, leading Racal to believe his claims.
It wasn't until the leaked conversations surfaced that Racal realized the extent of the deception. She expressed her shock and embarrassment over the public exposure of her private life. Racal acknowledged Villanueva's pain and expressed empathy for her situation.
The actress concluded the interview by apologizing to those she had hurt, including Blanco, Villanueva, and the public. She acknowledged the impact of her actions on her reputation and expressed her determination to move forward, despite the challenges.
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