The tension between Heart Evangelista and Pia Wurtzbach has been reignited following a controversy surrounding an invitation to an upcoming fashion show.
Heart previously shared on her Instagram that she would be unable to attend the US lingerie brand’s event, which will finally take place again after a 6-year hiatus.
“Thank you @victoriassecret for inviting me! 🙂 I must stay home, but thank YOU for the love ❤️,” Heart wrote in her IG story.
The 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is scheduled to be held in Brooklyn, New York, on October 15.
However, just days after Evangelista’s post, social media buzzed with comments from Wurtzbach’s camp who responded to an individual claiming that “someone” had already announced they wouldn’t attend when they weren’t actually invited.
This comes after the beauty queen confirmed her attendance at the show in a video she posted, which led to a comment from the user who further challenged others to ask for “receipts” as proof.
“Inunahan na nung isa sa mga nag refuse sya pero ang totoo di sya “imbayted” hanapan nyo siya ng resibo,” the user’s comment read
Adding fuel to the fire, Justin Soriano, a former makeup artist for Heart and now part of Pia’s glam team, chimed in with a comment writing, “receipts or it didn’t happen 😉,” seemingly affirming the claims.
Additionally, Soriano also came to the defense of Wurtzbach after an Instagram user accused that Wurtzbach had “cheated” her way into fashion circles by “stealing contacts” to establish her presence in the fashion industry.
“Pia never ever stole any contacts or whatever. Lalo na kami. We are only glam team and hindi nga namin kilala or close mga PR,” Soriano replied to the netizen.
The makeup artist went on to explain that Pia’s involvement in the fashion industry dates back to her Miss Universe days as early as 2015.
He continued, “Also PIA IS PIA! She has walked the runway in New York when she was Miss Universe. She already attended a lot of fashion shows in New York way back 2015! So that cheating thing is actually invented so people can draw hate towards Pia.”
He further claimed that the allegations were fabricated to stir negativity against the beauty queen and expressed confidence that the negative rumors only fueled more support for Wurtzbach from brands.
“Hayy buti nalang when brands hear or read this things all the more they show love to Pia. The universe talaga is so powerful.. u throw hate? The hate goes back to you!” Justin remarked.
Despite Soriano’s defense, another online user pointed out a potential contradiction with past statements made by Wurtzbach’s husband, Jeremy Jauncey, who had previously mentioned that his wife lacked a network or opportunities in the fashion industry.
In response, Soriano clarified that Jauncey’s statements were not a reflection of their access to the industry.
“Jeremy knows them already. In fact, he is friends with them. He didn’t know that one day these people can actually help Pia. Imagine that! Everything unfolded because they wanna help,” Soriano explained. “Just because Jeremy captioned that doesn’t mean they really don’t have that much.
He further stressed that neither Wurtzbach nor Jauncey are the type to use others for personal gain, noting their independence in pursuing opportunities.
“But Pi and Jeremy [are] not the type to ‘use’ people to ‘take advantage.’ They’re not the type to ask favors. If they can do it on their own. They will..,” Soriano added.
Following the controversy, Heart’s camp also released evidence, proving Heart received an invitation for the fashion event.
Instagram user @resztyrose shared screenshots of messages that showed Heart was indeed contacted first to attend the exclusive Victoria’s Secret event.
The messages clarified that Heart was unable to attend due to her packed schedule and stated that she was their “first choice” for the event. Furthermore, the actress-model was allegedly invited to be the “main celebrity” at the opening of a flagship store.
Accompanying the screenshots was a bold caption, “Hindi ‘to eme eme lang kaya wag niyo kami hanapan ng resibo dahil patola ako hindi okra.”
Meanwhile, Heart, who has recently returned to GMA Network, announced her return to television with the show “Heart World” this October, which will feature an exclusive look into the Kapuso actress’ world of glamor.
Previously, the two Pinay fashion icons made headlines after eagle-eyed netizens noticed that they had unfollowed each other on Instagram.
