Kapuso fashion icon and actress Heart Evangelista stood up for fellow actress Marian Rivera after a netizen attempted to draw a comparison between the two by using Evangelista as the benchmark for “class.”
The comment came after Evangelista posted a series of photos with Anne Curtis and Solenn Heussaff from a luxury brand event on her TikTok account on July 23.
A fan account commented, “Ganito ang class, Marian—sa kilos, sa salita, at sa pag-uugali,” implying a slight against Rivera.
Evangelista didn’t let the remark pass without a response. She replied directly: “Wag ganon. Marian is a woman of her own.”
Her graceful but firm defense of Rivera was praised by fans online, who commended Evangelista for shutting down the comparison and showing solidarity.
“Thank you Queen Hearty for defending Marian,” wrote one fan. Another added, “A true queen empowers other women. Slay, Ms. Heart.”
Their friendship had long been strained following an infamous fallout in 2011 during the filming of ‘Temptation Island’. Tension escalated after a reported incident at the airport involving Evangelista’s mother, which allegedly left Rivera in tears.
However, in 2023, the two actresses finally reconciled after over a decade. They surprised fans when they were spotted together at the 84th birthday celebration of GMA Network chairman Atty. Felipe Gozon, and later confirmed they had followed each other back on Instagram.
In separate interviews that year, both stars opened up about their reconciliation.
“We’ve always liked each other, and it’s a true testament that queens should always support each other,” Evangelista said.
Rivera echoed the sentiment, saying: “My heart is happy. Everything is finally peaceful in God’s perfect time.”
The renewed friendship has since been on display at major events, including the GMA Gala 2024, where they shared a warm embrace and kiss on the cheek—a moment that delighted fans and symbolized a full-circle moment of forgiveness and growth.