Claudine Barretto to file cyberlibel complaint against Cristy Fermin: 'I'm very hurt'
Claudine Barretto is determined to file a cyberlibel complaint against showbiz commentators Cristy Fermin and Romel Chika. She said she was deeply "hurt" by their alleged remarks about her personal life and health.
In an interview with reporters at the National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday, Barretto's legal counsel confirmed that the actress intends to file a complaint against Fermin and Rommel Chika for their video posted on their YouTube channel, Showbiz Now Na!
"Since last year, hindi talaga niya ako tinatantanan. Ito na 'yung last straw. Hindi talaga siya tumitigil," she said.
"I'm very hurt. My children are very hurt. My fans are very hurt," she added.
Barretto answered with an adamant "no" when asked if she would settle the issue if Fermin and Rommel Chika were to apologize to her.
"May consequences ang lahat ng bagay," she said.
In the video, the pair discussed Barretto's social media posts about her recent hospitalization, where Fermin made remarks about the actress' alleged bipolar disorder. She also speculated about Barretto's medical expenses and how her sister Gretchen would frequently shoulder these.
This prompted the actress to issue a cease-and-desist demand through her lawyer, Lance Abrahm Mateo, from "making untruthful, scandalous, and damaging remarks" regarding her.
On her message to Fermin, Barretto simply said, "Happy Halloween."
Meanwhile, Fermin told entertainment columnist Salve Asis that she is not backing down from the possibility of a legal complaint.
"Wow! Big words! Ipakukulong daw niya ako? Siguruhin niyang may merito ang kasong isasampa niya sa piskalya pa lang! Ano, mauuna pa akong makulong sa mga nangurakot ng male-maletang salapi sa gobyerno? Look who’s talking!" she said.
"Si Claudine Barretto mismo ang naglabas sa kanyang IG na nasa hospital siya… pero walang sinabi kung anong dahilan ng kanyang confinement. Bakit? Ano nanaman ito? Panibago ba ito para mapag-usapan lang?" she added.
This is not the first time that the veteran showbiz columnist has been slapped with a cryberlibel complaint.
In 2024, actress Bea Alonzo also filed a cyberlibel complaint against her, fellow showbiz commentator Ogie Diaz, and their respective co-hosts over allegedly false and damaging information discussed on their online programs. Alonzo eventually withdrew her complaint in February 2026 after Fermin and her co-hosts issued a public apology.
Other public figures who filed cyberlibel complaints against Fermin included Sharon Cuneta and her husband, former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. Their complaints were also later withdrawn.