Actress Claudine Barretto has filed a cyber libel complaint against veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin and online personality Romel Chika before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over alleged false statements about her.
In the report of RH Jecelle Ricafort, Barretto personally lodged the complaint at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
During an ambush interview, the actress described the complaint as a breaking point after what she claimed was a prolonged series of statements about her since last year.
“Last straw na ito. Sa ilang taon, since last year, na hindi talaga niya ako tinatantanan. Ito na yung last straw. Hindi talaga siya tumigil,” Barretto said.
She also expressed the emotional toll the controversy has taken on her and her loved ones.
“I'm very hurt. My children are very hurt. My fans are very hurt,” she added.
The complaint reportedly stemmed from Fermin’s remarks concerning Barretto’s alleged bipolar disorder, financial dependence on her sister Gretchen Barretto, and supposed cosmetic surgery procedures.
Barretto said she had repeatedly asked Fermin to stop making statements about her but decided to pursue legal action despite the possibility of an apology.
Meanwhile, Fermin challenged Barretto’s plan to file a complaint, claiming that the actress had past controversies that could also be brought to light.
“Happy Halloween!” Barretto remarked at the end of her interview.
