Actor Ken Chan has addressed the syndicated estafa complaint recently filed against him by a former business partner, clarifying his side of the story regarding the failed restaurant venture, Café Claus.
In an Instagram statement on November 14, Ken responded to the allegations linked to the closure of Café Claus, a business he co-founded that eventually expanded to three branches before shutting down. “Hindi po ako nanloko ng tao, naitayo po ang negosyo ngunit hindi ito nagtagumpay,” he wrote, emphasizing that the situation stemmed from financial loss rather than fraud.
Ken explained that the charges, based solely on the complainant’s side, had been exaggerated, and he pledged to disclose full details soon. He added that the case’s syndicate estafa classification should focus instead on the venture’s financial loss, expressing concern about the motives behind the complaint. “Ako naman po ang maglalabas ng mga detalye sa mga darating na pagkakataon dahil patuloy po ang pagdikdik sa akin ng mga taong gustong sirain ang pagkatao ko. Sa mga hakbang na ginawa nila mula pa noong nakaraang taon hanggang ngayon, makikita ninyo ang intensyon ng mga taong gusto akong pabagsakin,” he said.
The actor also hinted at internal conflicts, which he claimed played a role in the restaurant’s downfall. “Nalugi po ang Café Claus at isa sa malaking dahilan na rin ay dahil sa ilang business partners namin na nagplano para pabagsakin ang kumpanya at patuloy na sirain ang aking pangalan,” Ken explained.
In light of these accusations, Ken apologized to the companies and brands associated with him and expressed gratitude for the support from his fans. “Mahigit isang dekada kong pinaghirapan ang aking career at hindi dahil sa akusasyon ng iilan ang magtatapos ng napakagandang future na inilaan para sa akin ng Panginoon,” he stated, asking fans to keep him in their prayers.
Meanwhile, the complainant’s lawyer, Atty. Joel Noel Estrada, confirmed that attempts to serve a warrant of arrest on Ken were unsuccessful due to his undisclosed location, with further steps planned.
Ken, previously part of ‘Abot Kamay na Pangarap’ and ‘All-Out Sundays,’ took a break from showbiz in June 2024 for health reasons.
