Leon Barretto's open letter to Dennis Padilla: 'This is me stepping up to protect my sisters'


Dennis Padilla (right) and son Leon Barretto (Instagram)

Leon Barretto, the only son of Dennis Padilla and Marjorie Barretto, has recently penned an open letter.

On Instagram, Leon uploaded a lengthy message to his father.

The full letter read:

"Dear Papa,

"I've been contemplating whether I should write this to you and if this is even the best way to
do so. But it seems that social media is your preferred way to reach us, so maybe I can try it
too.

"Sorry if I wasn't able to greet you a 'Happy Father's Day: It's always been an awkward day for
us cause we never seem to know where we stand with you every year. I've always envied people who never even have to think twice about greeting their dads a 'Happy Father's Day!

"For the past 10 years, we have been trying so hard to slowly rebuild the bridge you continuously burn every time you talk about our private matters in your press cons, interviews, and social media. Papa, why does it seem like you enjoy hurting your kids in public? Why do you keep posting cryptic posts about us and allow people to bash us on your own Instagram page? Do you think it does not pain all of us to not feel protected by their own father? It's not that we don't want to talk to you, but the few times that we do to resolve the issues, you communicate by shouting, cursing, and using hurtful words that traumatize us.

"Is public sympathy really more important to you than your own children? Your words have the
power to destroy your children, papa.

"For years I watched my sisters get torn into pieces because of your false narratives and not
once did they ever explain their side nor speak negatively about you in public. It's exhausting,
papa. As the only man in the family, this is me stepping up to protect my sisters.

"I need you to know that I want nothing else but to move forward in the safest and healthiest manner possible. I want peace, papa. Can you please stop resorting to public shaming when things don't go your way?

"I long for the day when I can greet you a 'Happy Father's Day' and know that it comes from a place of gratitude and healing.

Leon."

A few days ago, the seasoned actor-comedian expressed disappointment after his children from his former wife, Marjorie, seemingly forgot to greet him on Father’s Day.