Actress Claudine Barretto recently spoke candidly about the tragic passing of her former partner, Rico Yan, admitting to grappling with self-blame in the aftermath of his death.
Barretto, who had maintained silence on the matter for over two decades, opened up about her experiences in a heartfelt conversation with talent manager and showbiz insider Ogie Diaz.
During their discussion, Barretto disclosed that she and Yan were living together in November 2001 when their relationship hit a rough patch, mere months before Yan’s untimely demise in March 2002.
Addressing persistent rumors, Barretto clarified that Yan had never been physically violent towards her, dispelling misconceptions surrounding their relationship.
“Hindi totoo na sinaktan ako ni Rico o naging violent siya. ‘Yun ang gusto kong iklaro. Never. Hindi naman siya perfect, hindi ako perfect.Nagsigawan kami pero hindi umabot sa nananakit. Hindi siya ganon,” Barretto guaranteed.
The actress recounted the public backlash she faced following Yan’s death, with many blaming her for the tragedy. Despite the unjust accusations, Barretto vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting her loyalty to Yan and expressing her profound regret over the unwarranted scrutiny she endured.
“Noong time na parang kinu-crucify at galit na galit ‘yung tao at sinasabi na pinagpalit ko si Rico, alam ng Diyos, mawala na lahat ng taong mahal ko pero never kong niloko si Rico,” Barretto shared while being emotional.
In a revelation, Barretto confessed to harboring feelings of self-reproach during the tumultuous period following Yan’s passing, highlighting the immense emotional toll it took on her. She implored for compassion and understanding from the public, emphasizing the need for empathy in light of the complexities surrounding her relationship with Yan.
“During that time na sinasabi nila na kasalanan ko, ang hindi alam ng tao, ako rin, sinisisi ko rin ‘yung sarili ko,” Barretto said while still crying. “Sana mas maging compassionate or understanding ‘yung tao, kasi kung pina-punish niyo ako, pina-punish ko rin ‘yung sarili ko. Kung galit kayo sa akin, mas galit ako sa sarili ko.”
Barretto’s candid remarks shed light on the internal struggles she faced in the wake of Yan’s death, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of loss and grief.
