Claudine Barretto is standing by Rita Daniela after she took legal action against her Widows’ War co-star Archie Alemania for allegedly touching her without consent, sharing that she was also a victim of sexual harassment in the past.
On her Instagram account, Barretto shared screenshots of her video call with Daniela where they both appeared to be in tears as they talked to each other.
“Rita has been a true blooded Claudinian, supporting me through ny highs and lows. Claudinian man si Rita o kahit sino, it does not matter! She is a mother! A single mother and father. I went out of my way to be there for Rita,” Barretto began.
She went on to shut down claims that Daniela had been using her to get some leverage on the issue.
“Why am I in the middle of a crossfire? Because I believe and will protect her. To her perpetrator, ako harapin mo! Apologize before it’s too late, boy,” Barretto wrote.
She implored the public to refrain from victim-blaming Daniela and to instead “show her compassion and love.”
“If you broke someone, please have the heart to genuinely apologize. It won’t make you a less of a man to admit. Choosing to be responsible and owning up to your actions and mistakes will be good for your soul. What you have done is beyond just trauma. The damage has been done,” Barretto said.
She then added that Alemania is planning to push forward to face Daniela in court and clear his name.
“Makikipaglaban ka raw sa korte to clear your image and name and I respect you doing this for your family. It’s easier to own up and apologize,” the local star urged.
“I am willing to listen. Not my business, but I have daughters. I will always protect anyone who is going through this for I myself was a victim years ago!” Barretto shared. “Rita, you are strong and loved. God hears you. I am here for you!”
Daniela filed an act of lasciviousness case against Alemania before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Bacoor City, claiming that he harassed her as they were going home from a Thanksgiving party they attended on Sept. 9.
According to her complaint-affidavit, Alemania offered Daniela a ride home, which she accepted as she regarded his gesture as something that an older brother would do. But as they were driving, the comedian suddenly reached out and began caressing her shoulder and neck.
Daniela alleged that when they reached the front of her house, Alemania “forcibly got hold of my head and locked it with his grip and gave me a torrid kiss on the lips with his tongue out trying to put it inside my mouth.”
After pushing him away and opening the door of the car, Daniela recounted how Alemania pulled her back and hugged her tightly from behind, groped her breast, and “smashed it lasciviously.”
PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to Alemania for a comment
