Actress-host and Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa has refuted allegations linking her to a scandal involving social media personality Small Laude, her husband Philip Laude, and his rumored mistress Precious Mae Larra.
The controversy arose after screenshots allegedly tied to Philip’s alleged infidelity mentioned the initials “MJ.” This led netizens to speculate that MJ Lastimosa was the individual in question.
MJ addressed the issue during the press conference and premiere night of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry ‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’ on December 19 at SM Megamall.
“Wala akong encounter with them. Yung first and last encounter ko with them was in LA [Los Angeles] nung na-invite ako sa mansion nila. Pero after that, wala naman,” MJ clarified, expressing disbelief at the rumors.
When told the “MJ” in the allegations was described as “maitim” and “dugyot,” MJ laughed and responded, “Hoy, grabe naman yung maitim! Kahit maitim, hindi ko siya ikinahihiya. Kaya nga nagbi-beach pa ako para umitim pa lalo!”
She dismissed the allegations, humorously adding, “Ako ba talaga? E, hindi naman kami magkakilala. Sure ba kayong ako yun? Baka may ibang ‘MJ’ kayo diyan.”
MJ also recounted previous instances of mistaken identity, such as when her photo was erroneously used in posts welcoming Mary Jane Veloso, the Filipina who recently returned home after 14 years of incarceration in Indonesia.
Amid the controversy, MJ expressed pride and excitement for her role in ‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’, produced by Dondon Monteverde, Erik Matti, and Enrique Gil.
“Sobrang nakakatuwa itong film na ito, kasi hindi siya directed by [a specific person]. It’s a meta-horror. Talagang guided kami kung ano ang gagawin,” MJ explained, highlighting the unique filming process that relied on the actors’ instincts and real reactions without multiple takes.
The film follows a group of friends conducting ghost hunting in a haunted hospital in Taiwan. MJ recounted her authentic fear during filming, saying, “Yung takot ko, hindi ko akalain na totoo! Pumasok ako sa isang haunted place, mag-isa, in the middle of the night. Totoong iyak talaga yung mga iyak ko.”
‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’ also stars Enrique Gil, Alexa Miro, Jane de Leon, Rob Gomez, and Raf Pineda. It premieres on December 25 as part of the 50th MMFF.
