Comedian Dennis Padilla came to the defense of his brother, Gene Padilla, after the latter faced backlash for attending the wedding of Dennis’ daughter, Claudia Barretto, despite reportedly not being invited.
In a comment on Gene’s Instagram post, Dennis offered reassurance and gratitude: “Dear Gene… Wala kang mali… Nagbigay ka lang ng suporta sa akin… Dahil naramdaman mo ako… Salamat,” he wrote, adding a crying face and a heart emoji.
Gene had earlier posted a message addressing the hate he received online: “It’s okay if you say hurtful things. You don’t know me, and I don’t know you—but I still choose to send you love, peace, and prayers for healing.”
Dennis also briefly responded to bashers in the same thread, appealing for them to stop attacking his brother:
“Sa mga bashers… [Please] spare my brother… Itodo nyo na lang sa akin… God bless you more.” The comment was later deleted.
The controversy erupted after Dennis revealed in an interview with Ogie Diaz that he felt like a “visitor of the bride” at Claudia’s wedding, despite being her father. He claimed he was not given a formal invitation and expected to walk his daughter down the aisle, only to be told to “just follow the program.” Gene, who accompanied Dennis along with their 81-year-old mother, posted his own version of events, stating that they arrived early but were not given a designated seat or role in the ceremony.
Gene’s post drew criticism from netizens, with some saying he had no right to attend the event or speak out, especially since Marjorie Barretto, Claudia’s mother, later confirmed that Gene was not on the guest list.
Marjorie responded in a detailed video interview, clarifying that Dennis was prioritized during the photo session and that Claudia had informed him in advance that she would walk alone down the aisle. She also called out Gene and their sister Jennifer Baldivia for allegedly fueling Dennis’ frustration instead of de-escalating the situation.
“Gene, no offense, you were not invited to the wedding,” Marjorie said. “With all due respect, my daughter has no recollection of you. Wala kayong naging relasyon.”
She also defended her children, particularly Claudia, Julia, and Leon, saying they have never spoken ill of their father in public, despite the pain they’ve experienced over the years.
“They suffer in silence. It has an effect on their mental health,” Marjorie said, adding that her children have tried to reach out in the past, only to be met with more criticism.
The rift between Dennis and his children with Marjorie has been a long-standing and emotional one, now reignited by the wedding incident. Dennis recently declared that he is permanently cutting ties with Claudia, Julia, and Leon following what he described as continued rejection.
As of writing, Dennis has yet to respond to Marjorie’s recent statements. Julia, Claudia, and Leon have remained silent on the matter.
LionhearTV remains open to publishing further statements from Dennis and Gene Padilla regarding this issue.
