Veteran actress Claudine Barretto has publicly expressed her support for Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach and singer-actor Gerald Santos, both of whom have recently come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and abuse.
Sandro Muhlach, the son of actor Niño Muhlach, has been in the spotlight after revealing that he was a victim of sexual harassment by two independent contractors of GMA Network, Richard Dode Cruz and Jojo Tawasil Nones. Claudine, who is close to Sandro’s father due to her sister Marjorie Barretto’s friendship with him, voiced her solidarity with the young actor during a recent social media live session.
In addition to backing Sandro, Claudine also offered her support to Gerald Santos, who recently spoke out about being a victim of sexual abuse by a musical director during his early years with the Kapuso Network.
Claudine emphasized the importance of supporting victims who bravely come forward, regardless of when they choose to share their experiences.
“I support Gerald, 100%. Huwag po nating kwestiyunin kasi po ang tao na may pinagdaanan na ganiyan, hindi ho agad-agad nagsasalita. ‘Pag namolestiya ka, na-sexual harass ka, hindi po agad-agad nagsasalita,” Claudine explained.
Both Sandro and Gerald recently testified before the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, chaired by Senator Robin Padilla, as part of an ongoing inquiry into sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry.
