Michelle Dee files cyberlibel complaint against Xian Gaza over 'fake' posts
Michelle Dee has taken legal action against internet personality Xian Gaza and four other Facebook pages for allegedly making "fake" posts about her.
According to The Philippine STAR, the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 titleholder had filed cyberlibel complaints before the National Bureau of Investigation–Cybercrime Division on Feb. 16 together with her lawyer, Maggie Garduque.
The complaint also extended to Facebook pages Sarap Pinoy, Bagong Umaga News, Pinoy Star Buzz, and Celeb News.
Speaking to reporters, Dee said that she decided to pursue legal action as she didn't want disrespect towards women to be normalized.
"The point here is hindi i-normalize 'yung pagsasalita ng ganun towards sa mga babae. I think we should respect women's rights and privacy, especially if they're fake," she said.
"I'm here to call for accountability. Alam ko naman na artista ako, I'm a beauty queen also. I know scrutiny is always part of the job. Pero in cases like this, of course, it's a call for accountability against fake news, against misinformation," she continued.
The move comes after Dee, along with Rhian Ramos and Samantha Panlilio, was accused by Ramos’ former driver of serious illegal detention and torture. The complainant, alias "Totoy," said that he was detained for three days in a condo unit after he was accused of stealing sensitive photos.
In a Facebook post, Gaza claimed that Dee's cyberlibel complaint was her way of "diverting" the issue of her illegal detention and torture case.
"The news headlines will become Michelle Dee VS Xian Gaza tapos siya na ngayon yung biktima na lumalaban," he wrote.
"The truth is, nasira 'yung pangalan niya ng dahil kay Kuya Driver so kailangan nila ako ngayong kasuhan for damage control. At the same time, 'yung mga journalists, news agencies, and content creators na magpo-post sa kanya in the future ay mangingilag na," he added.
Dee and Ramos have denied the illegal detention accusation, with their lawyer explaining that the driver's claims are "physically impossible." The beauty queen has subsequently filed a qualified theft complaint against Ramos' former driver.
The NBI said it is validating all statements and evidence in Totoy's complaint.