MANILA, Philippines — Actress Maris Racal has spoken up about the recent controversy surrounding her, co-star Anthony Jennings, and his non-showbiz partner, Jam Villanueva. In an emotional interview, Racal admitted she was unaware that Jennings was still in a relationship when they began to form a deeper connection beyond their on-screen partnership.
The Allegations
The controversy erupted after Villanueva shared screenshots on Instagram, allegedly showing intimate conversations between Racal and Jennings while the latter was still in a relationship with her. These posts fueled accusations of cheating and sparked a wave of online discussions.
Maris Racal’s Apology
Fighting back tears, Racal addressed the issue in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN. “Today, I want to speak from my heart. I made mistakes, and I want to say sorry for everything I’ve done,” she said.
Racal revealed that the connection with Jennings began in June 2024, during a challenging time in her life. “I was in a very dark place and feeling lonely. Anthony gave me the attention I needed, and when I felt a growing attraction between us, I got carried away by my emotions. I knew it was wrong,” she confessed.
Coming Clean and Her Breakup
The actress shared that she immediately told her then-partner, musician Rico Blanco, about the situation. This honesty led to their breakup, which Racal publicly confirmed on July 12, ending their five-year relationship.
“The reason I became so emotional during my interview about the breakup with Rico was because I was holding back the full truth. That’s the truth,” Racal admitted.
Struggles with Reflection
The actress, now 27, said her packed work schedule left her little time to process her emotions or reflect on what had happened. She shared that before their busy filming period started, she confided in Jennings about her breakup, and he, in turn, disclosed he had gone through something similar.
What’s Next?
While Racal has apologized and taken accountability for her actions, Anthony Jennings has not yet commented on the controversy. Meanwhile, fans and netizens continue to debate the situation, expressing a mix of support, disappointment, and curiosity about the unfolding story.
Maris’ Message
Racal ended her statement with a promise to reflect and learn from the experience. “I made mistakes, but I will take this as a chance to grow and be better.”
As the story continues to develop, many are waiting for Jennings’ side and how the situation will ultimately be resolved.
