Kapuso actor and comedian Paolo Contis recently addressed the highly publicized cheating allegations involving his ex-wife, fellow Kapuso actress LJ Reyes, in a podcast interview on GMA’s “Updated with Nelson Canlas.” Contis, who has faced severe backlash and was once deemed the most hated man, finally broke his silence to set the record straight.
The interview, released on GMA’s YouTube channel on June 1, originally took place on April 27, with GMA’s Senior News Correspondent, Nelson Canlas, leading the conversation. Canlas acknowledged the crucifixion Contis endured from netizens, who once called for request to remove him in GMA, and expressed curiosity about his silence on the matter. Contis responded by acknowledging the difficulty of pleasing everyone and defending oneself, emphasizing that only those who truly matter deserve to hear his side of the story.
Contis began, “Anghirap i-please lahat. Anghirap ipagtanggol ang sarili sa lahat. Ang dapat makarinig ng side ko are actually the people who matter,”.
During the interview, Contis revealed that the pandemic had strained his relationship with Reyes, leading to their eventual separation. He admitted to becoming sensitive to how Reyes managed things during this challenging period. He also indicates that they were one of the couples who struggled amid the pandemic.
“Siguro sa mga couples na nakaranas ng pandemic, isa kami na nahirapan during pandemic. Ako masasabi ko na somehow I became sensitive about how she (Reyes) felt about the pandemic.” Contis said.
When Canlas inquired if Contis felt hurt by the backlash he received, the actor clarified that it was not the bashing itself that pained him but the damage he caused to his loved ones, especially those on Reyes’ side.
“Nasaktan ako sa fact na anlaki ng impact ng mga nasaktan ko especially her side,” Contis expressed, showing remorse for the consequences of his actions.
Contis also expressed disappointment toward friends who appeared to distance themselves from him during the controversy, acting as mere netizens rather than offering support.
“May tampo ako sa mga tao na kaibigan ko pero kumbaga parang silang netizens na dun lang nakinig, sa mga nabasa nila,” Contis shared, expressing his frustration.
Throughout the interview, Contis shared some of the most hurtful comments he received from netizens, particularly those pleading with GMA to remove him from his show and the network, thereby preventing him from achieving success.
“Madami… Pero mas naooffend ako sa mga tao na nagsasabi na o mga nakikiusap o mga nagpepetisyon sa GMA na dapat tanggaling ako (sa network), at sa Bubble (Gang),” Contis disclosed, highlighting the negative impact such comments had on him.
With this, he then explained that personal relationships and personal life should not involve the status of one’s work and career, using real-life scenarios as examples.
“For example doctor, pinagdaanan ang pinagdaanan ko. At siya yung pinakamagaling na doctor, ‘di ko siya susuportahan, di ako pupunta sakanya dahil lang may ginawa siyang mali?” Contis said.
The interview concluded with the “Ask Nelson” segment, during which Contis expressed surprise when Canlas admitted to being one of the people who initially believed the negative narratives surrounding him, despite Canlas being known for his unbiased reporting.
Contis asked Canlas if that was truly how he saw him in the industry. Canlas promptly apologized for forming a premature judgment before hearing Contis’ side of the story, stating that it was those who had experienced betrayal in the past who had judged him.
“At the start of the podcast, I apologize for having judged you nang hindi pa tayo nag-uusap. And as I’ve said, yung mga taong nagjujudge sa’yo, iyon yung mga tao na nakarelate, yung mga taong niloko in the past.” Canlas answered.
“It was an unfair judgement. And siguro kung maidagdag ko,… since hindi ka nagsasalita, Aminado ka.” He added.
The podcast’s comments section reflected a mixed response, with some netizens agreeing with Canlas for initially judging Contis without hearing his perspective. However, there were still individuals who remained upset with Contis, expressing their disapproval. Nonetheless, while the controversy remains fresh in the minds of many netizens following both Contis and Reyes, the two are currently pursuing their careers and living their lives in different paths that they have chosen.
