Just an hour ago, Star Magic officially confirmed that Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto have mutually decided to end their relationship.
“Star Magic confirms that Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto have mutually decided to end their relationship,” the agency said in a statement posted Thursday on its social media accounts.
The statement added: “Gerald and Julia are grateful to their fans and friends for the love and support,” while also urging the public to respect the pair’s decision and avoid spreading “false narratives.”
The confirmation puts an end to ongoing speculation about the couple’s status. Similar rumors surfaced as early as June, but Anderson denied them in an episode of the news magazine show ‘Tao Po!’.
Barretto and Anderson went public in March 2021, though they had already been linked since 2019 after their Japan-set film ‘Between Maybes’. Their relationship often drew attention, particularly after Anderson’s controversial breakup with Bea Alonzo. Throughout their years together, the two had openly talked about marriage, both expressing confidence that they would eventually settle down.
While the breakup has just been confirmed, Barretto is now being linked to young businessman Lucas Lorenzo, CEO of RestaurantConcepts Group, Inc. and brother to Matteo and Basti Lorenzo—the husbands of Erich Gonzales and Claudia Barretto, respectively.
A Reddit post referred to Lorenzo as Julia’s “constant,” sparking intrigue among netizens. Others pointed out his resemblance to Anderson, with one commenting, “Kamukha ni Gerald. LOL can’t unsee.”
Lorenzo, who was featured in Tatler Asia for his leadership in the restaurant industry, is also known as an equestrian. However, a source has denied that Barretto and Lorenzo are in a relationship, saying their only connection appears to be through Julia’s sister Claudia.
As of writing, neither Barretto nor Lorenzo has addressed the rumors.
Anderson is currently starring in ABS-CBN’s primetime series ‘Sins of the Father’, while Barretto is preparing for her television comeback in a reunion project with Enrique Gil, set to air soon on TV5.
