Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and trauma.
Claudine Barretto has expressed her support for fellow actress Rita Daniela, who recently filed a complaint alleging sexual harassment by actor Archie Alemania.
Claudine’s lengthy message to Rita on her Instagram account was both supportive and deeply personal, revealing her own painful experience as a survivor of abuse, and sympathizing with those who have faced similar struggles.
Screenshots accompanying Barretto’s post suggested that she had connected with Rita through a video call to offer encouragement amid the controversy.
In the post, Barretto stated she was not seeking publicity by speaking out on Daniela’s behalf but felt moved to intervene.
“’Di po ako nakikisawsaw sa mga naglalabasang issue. Rita has been a true blooded Claudinian! Supporting me through ny highs & lows. Claudinian man si @missritadaniela o kahit sino ‘di Claudinian it DOES NOT MATTER!!!,” she wrote in her post.
Claudine further clarified that Rita’s support for her over the years as a dedicated fan, known as a “Claudinian,” was not the motivation behind her actions, but rather due to her resilience as a single mother.
“She is A MOTHER! A SINGLE MOTHER & FATHER. I WENT OUT OF MY WAY TO BE THERE FOR RITA,” she stressed.
Barretto dismissed rumors that Rita was using her name, explaining that she felt morally compelled to stand by Daniela in her time of need.
“Sa mga nagsasabi o magsasabi ginagamit nya ako [please] know that she isn’t. Why am I in the middle of a crossfire BECAUSE I BELIEVE & WILL PROTECT HER,” she emphasized her support.
Although she refrained from naming Alemania in her post, Claudine called on him to take accountability for his alleged actions and issue an apology, “TO HER PERPETRATOR AKO HARAPIN MO! APOLOGIZE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE BOY.”
She also urged netizens to stop “victim-blaming” Rita and instead show her “compassion & [love]”.
In her continued message to Rita’s alleged abuser, Claudine emphasized the importance of accountability, urging him to apologize and acknowledge the serious harm he allegedly caused.
“I have nothing against the perpetrator & am willing to mediate if Rita wants. If [yo]u broke someone [please] have the heart to genuinely apologize,” she appealed.
“[I]t won’t make you a less of a man to admit. [C]hoosing to [be] responsible & owning up to your actions and mistakes will be good for your soul. [W]hat you have done is beyond just trauma. [T]he damage has been done.”
This heartfelt plea comes amid reports that Archie is planning to take legal action to clear his name. Claudine, however, advised him to prioritize an apology, expressing her willingness to listen to him despite not being directly involved.
She shared that as a mother to daughters, she feels a personal responsibility to stand up for those affected by abuse.
“[M]akikipag laban ka daw sa Korte to clear your image & name & [I] respect you doing this for your family. It’s easier to own up & apologize. [Y]ou have a family,” she urged, adding, “I am willing to listen, not my business but I have daughters.”
Claudine’s decision to speak up is particularly significant, as she shared that her own experience with abuse left lasting scars.
She expressed her determination to advocate for other victims, vowing, “[I] will always protect anyone who is going through this for [I] myself was a VICTIM YEARS AGO! Rita [yo]u are strong & loved. God hears [yo]u. [I] am HERE FOR YOU!!!”
