Kim Chiu files qualified theft complaint against her sister
Kim Chiu has taken legal action against her sister Lakambini Chiu in connection with “serious financial discrepancies” in their business venture.
In a statement shared by ABS-CBN News on Tuesday, Dec. 2, the Kapamilya star said she has decided to sue her sibling “in relation to serious financial discrepancies discovered within my business operations.”
Noting that it was a difficult decision to make, she described the move as “one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life.”
"As many know, I built my business ventures—with hard work, passion, and trust in the people I love. Unfortunately, substantial amounts connected to my business assets were found missing. These discoveries forced me to take formal action to protect not just my company, but also the livelihoods of the people who work with me and the integrity of everything I have built,” she said.
"This is a private family matter that has now become a legal process. I am choosing transparency, responsibility, and accountability—not only for myself, but also for the brand and community that has supported me from the beginning,” she added.
Kim asked the public for understanding and respect as their family deals with this “very difficult chapter.”
“I am hopeful that through the proper legal channels, clarity and fairness will prevail,” she continued. "Despite this painful situation, I remain committed to my work, my supporters, and the continued growth of my business ventures. I also continue to pray for healing and resolution for everyone involved.”
"Thank you for your support, compassion, and respect during this time,” she concluded.
Per the media outlet, her legal counsel refused to name the business they shared but noted that Lakambini was part of its management.
Kim’s lawyer Xylene Dolor said the Chiu siblings tried to solve the problem internally, but to no avail.
"She reached out and the lawyers reached out also. But 'yun nga po, it has also been a statement of Miss Kim na it has been a very difficult decision for her to do this and to proceed with this step,” Dolor is quoted as saying. "As far as I know, I have been in one or two meetings, but I know there have been several times na they reached out to each other."
Rumors about a rift between the Chiu sisters began in August, when eagle-eyed social media users noticed that they unfollowed each other on Instagram.
PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to Lakambini for a comment on the matter, but has yet to receive a reply.
