Kapuso actress Klea Pineda has firmly denied allegations that Kapamilya star Janella Salvador had anything to do with her breakup with longtime partner Katrice Kierulf, putting to rest speculation that swirled online in recent weeks.
Speaking to GMA News during the GMA Gala 2025, Klea directly addressed the third-party rumors involving Janella, which have circulated since fans began speculating about their closeness following the release of their film Open Endings.
“Of course, of course, I’m aware sa nangyayari,” Klea acknowledged. “But ang sinasabi ko, ako ang nagsasabi mismo sa inyo, walang third party na nangyari.”
Klea explained that her closeness with Janella, as well as co-stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Leanne Mamonong, developed naturally during filming. “Yung closeness namin ni Janella, inevitable siya kasi magkasama kami sa film. So kaming apat sa film, si Jasmine, si Leanne, si Janella, and me, yung closeness namin talaga na-develop during shooting days namin,” she said.
She added a plea to the public: “And the third party issue? Come on guys, tama na.”
Klea had already addressed the breakup with Katrice Kierulf during a July 18 interview on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’, where she emphasized that their separation was mutual and not caused by infidelity.
“Bina-value ko ‘yung loyalty, ‘yung love namin, ‘yung respeto ko sa kaniya and ‘di ko ever balak sirain ‘yun or hindi ko ever inisip na makasira ng tao dahil sa ganiyang maling ginagawa na cheating,” she stated.
When asked directly if she had cheated, Klea replied, “No, Tito Boy, sobrang proud akong sabihin ‘yun na no. Hindi ko kayang gawin ‘yun kay Kat kasi masyado kong mahal si Kat, ayoko makita siyang nasasaktan pa.”
She also clarified that Katrice had never been unfaithful: “No din, Tito Boy. Of course not. And knowing Kat, hindi niya kayang gawin ‘yon kahit kanino.”
Despite the public’s speculation, Klea reiterated her appreciation and respect for Katrice in a touching message shared after their breakup: “To Katrice, naging masaya naman tayo, di ba? Napakadami natin magagandang nagawa magkasama at pagsubok na nalagpasan na hindi ko gugustuhin kalimutan kahit kailan… Lagi mong tatandaan na nakasuporta pa din ako sayo kahit anong mangyari.”
However, the issue resurfaced when netizens pointed out that Katrice had liked a comment suggesting Janella was the cause of their breakup, adding fuel to the rumors.
Adding to the intrigue, Janella Salvador posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter): “You will hear from me. Right place, right time.”
As of writing, Janella has yet to release an official statement addressing the controversy.
