Sarah Lahbati sheds light on viral photo of hers with mystery man in Hong Kong
Sarah Lahbati gave some details about a viral photo where she could be seen spending some time with a mystery man in Hong Kong.
The photo was first tackled by Ogie Diaz in his YouTube vlog, where he shared that the picture showing the local star dining with a man was sent by an avid viewer of his channel. This led to speculations that she is now starting a new relationship after her separation from her estranged husband Richard Gutierrez.
However, speaking to reporters, Sarah said that her mystery companion was nothing of the sort.
"I went to Hong Kong to experience the art. It's always been a dream of mine to travel around and I was happy that I was able to go," the actress said.
"That photo circulating around is my friend. I visited Hong Kong and met up with different friends," she added.
Despite the rumors hounding around her dating life, Sarah stressed that she isn't bothered by them one bit.
"Is it unfair? Is it bothering me now? It takes a lot more for something to bother me now," she said.
"But I think as a woman, we're all allowed to have guy friends. But again, it's okay to speculate because again, I'm single and it is part of this whole new thing," she continued.
Rumors of Sarah and Richard's breakup began in October 2023 as social media users noticed the couple hadn't been sharing photos together and had been spending time with their kids separately.
It wasn't until March earlier this year that Sarah finally confirmed that she and her husband had called it quits.
"I mean there's nothing to hide. I think [it's] pretty clear to the public, both of us. I think," she told ABS-CBN News.
She also talked about how she left the house she shared with the actor earlier in the year and that they share duties in taking care of their children Zion and Kai.
The pair got married in 2020 after dating for eight years.