A deleted Instagram story of singer-actor Kyle Echarri along with his co-stars Andrea Brillantes and Darren Espanto has gone viral.
Some netizens put malice to the post, connecting it to the controversy that Kyle and Andrea's respective reel partners, Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, respectively, got embroiled last month.
Recall that a lot of fans were worried after Andrea was alleged to have unfollowed Francine on social media. That it supposedly happened after a photo of Seth together with Francine and her family surfaced on social media.
Meanwhile, Andrea's handler Becky Aguila Artist Management released a statement.
"This is to clarify matters about a photo circulating online of our artist Andrea Brillantes with Kyle Echarri and Darren Espanto. First of all, the photo was taken after a vlog shoot where AC Bonifacio and Xyriel Manabat were also present. Second, they have been good friends for a long time thus, they are comfortable around each other," they said in the statement, which as of writing is now unavailable online.
According to them, the three Kapamilya artists are "merely taking a selfie and only malicious minds would even think that there is more to that photo."
"We condemn those who are quick to judge and even went as far as creating rumors online, maligning our artist's reputation," they said. "Rest assured that we are taking this matter with utmost vigilance and shall put an end to this unfortunate misunderstanding."
Co-manager of Andrea, Katrina Aguila, shared the statement on her talent's Facebook account, writing: "We hope this puts an end to all speculations brought about by this supposedly harmless selfie among three good friends."
"P.s. Okay lang naman maging Marites, pero wag naman masobrahan at lumevel up pa sa pagiging echuserang palaka."
On the other hand, AC's mother, Cherry Tangcangco seemingly reacted to the statement.
On Twitter, she wrote: "HUWAG NYONG IDAMAY SI AC !"
https://twitter.com/che525/status/1490011305293406208
"HWAG KAYONG GUMAWA NG KWENTO !!!!," she added in another post.
https://twitter.com/che525/status/1490011672911630337
Darren's aunt Vicky Gonzales also cleared her nephew's name, reiterating: "Hindi po nililigawan ni Darren si Andrea at lalong hindi po niya girlfriend."
"The past weeks, YOU were the talk of town. YOU made headlines. Tongues wagging... minds wandering... people hurting... fans fighting... fans divided... Now what?? YOU are passing on the torch to Darren? LEAVE DARREN ALONE!!! (you posted then deleted? What for? ) STAY AWAY DARREN!!! Take care of yourself at all times and be EXTRA CAREFUL," Vicky also wrote.
"KONTING KAALAMAN... SINO ANG MAY HAWAK NG CELLPHONE?? SINO ANG NAG POST?? SINO ANG NAG DELETE?? ANO ANG INTENSYON NIYA?? MANIRA NG IBA?? PARA MAGKAGULO?? PARA IWAN NG FANS?? BAKIT NIYA GINAWA?? KAYO NA PO ANG HUMUSGA."
On the other hand, Andrea shared a Bible passage from Psalm 62: 1-7 and highlighted these sentences:
"So many enemies against one man— all of them trying to kill me."
"They plan to topple me from my high position."
"They delight in telling lies about me."
"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him."
"...my fortress where I will not be shaken."
"My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me."
Then she uploaded a clip of her featuring Kyle, Darren, and AC during their "mini reunion."
Andrea also used "squad goals" sticker.