James Reid steps up for Issa Pressman amid cheating rumors, says he's 'the happiest he's ever been'
James Reid has stepped up to defend rumored girlfriend Issa Pressman from the backlash they have been receiving following the soft launch of their relationship this week.
On March 16, both the Careless co-founder and the actress-entrepreneur shared on Instagram a glimpse of their date night at the Harry Styles: Love on Tour concert in Manila held last March 14.
Dating rumors between James and Issa began circulating shortly after, with some netizens, especially JaDine fans, speculating that Issa was indeed the reason for James' breakup with his ex-girlfriend Nadine Lustre.
On March 18, the 29-year-old singer posted a brief statement via Instagram Story and Twitter to address the rumors regarding the alleged cheating incident involving Issa.
“I’m only gonna say this once. The past rumors about Issa are just that, rumors,” he wrote.
The u & i singer then said that he usually doesn’t respond to bashing but felt the need to do it now saying that his relationship with Issa is the “start of something beautiful.”
“I usually never address bashers or get involved in hate culture but I feel the need to speak up now because this is the start of something beautiful,” he continued, adding, “And I'm not gonna let anyone take that from me.”
The u & i singer then shared how happy he’s been with his new relationship: “All you need to know from me is that [I’m] the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Since yesterday until as of this writing, “Nadine,” “Yassi,” “Careless,” and “Cheater,” has been on Twitter’s trending topic list, with most expressing their dismay with James and support for Nadine for the alleged cheating incident that prompted their breakup.
One user pointed out how James seemingly neglected to address Nadine’s pain in the alleged cheating, with his opinion focused only on clearing his and Issa’s name.
“notice how even at times where these rumors are not even meant to hurt you but nadine yet still your top priority is to save your own ass instead of protecting your ex's peace. tell em how careless you are, jaye.”
notice how even at times where these rumors are not even meant to hurt you but nadine yet still your top priority is to save your own ass instead of protecting your ex's peace. tell em how careless you are, jaye. 🫡 https://t.co/d7NbpDm21f
— azit (@NINJAYEWOLF) March 17, 2023
Another user tweeted how he merely kept his peace when Nadine was facing bashing amid false rumors from both netizens and famous personalities.
“while we’re defending nadine against ricky lo, pipino boy, cristy fermin + other people - slutshaming her and using her mental health as an insult. i wish james defended nadine and made a statement, calling out those people. pero hindi eh. fans sumalo non while he kept silent," the user wrote.
while we’re defending nadine against ricky lo, pipino boy, cristy fermin + other people - slutshaming her and using her mental health as an insult.
— ๑ (@livelikepotter) March 17, 2023
i wish james defended nadine and made a statement, calling out those people. pero hindi eh. fans sumalo non while he kept silent.
James and Nadine dated for almost four years until their breakup in November 2019, which they confirmed publicly in January 2020. On the same month, rumors circulated of the alleged cheating involving Issa Pressman. Involved parties, including Issa's sister Yassi, has since denied the rumors.
Meanwhile, Nadine has been in a romantic relationship with Christophe Bariou since 2021.