Young Kapuso actress Jillian Ward has broken her silence and firmly denied rumors linking her to Ilocos Sur politician Chavit Singson, stressing that she has never met or spoken to the former governor.
In her emotional appearance on the October 21 episode of ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,’ Jillian directly addressed online speculation claiming that her wealth and lifestyle were funded by a benefactor or a so-called “sugar daddy.”
The actress said the rumors first circulated during the pandemic, but she chose to ignore them at the time. Recently, however, the allegations resurfaced—this time targeting her family, prompting her to speak up.
“Nakaka-frustrate na for four years I kept silent and I couldn’t defend myself,” Jillian said tearfully, emphasizing that everything she owns came from her hard work over 15 years in showbiz. She cited, for instance, her second-hand Porsche Boxster, which she bought using her own earnings from a skincare endorsement.
She expressed deep hurt over insinuations that her mother, Jennifer Ward, was “selling her off” for money or investments. “I’m so offended for my mother, especially kasi she did not raise me that way,” Jillian said, adding that the accusations were disrespectful to her mother’s integrity and to her own career.
Boy Abunda shared that he invited Jennifer to the interview, but Jillian opted to face the issue alone, saying it was her duty to defend her family. She also revealed that GMA Network had previously advised her not to respond when the rumors first surfaced since she was still a minor and the claims were baseless.
On the subject of her 2023 debut celebration at Okada Manila, Jillian clarified that she has receipts for all expenses, explaining that GMA Network contributed to the event while her gown and cake were gifts from designers Mak Tumang and Pinky Fernando, respectively.
Jillian also challenged those spreading false claims to present proof: “Kung mayroon sila nung sinasabi nilang CCTV footage, ilabas po nila. Huwag lang po AI. Hindi po talaga totoo.”
After a commercial break, Boy mentioned that Chavit Singson himself recently dismissed the rumors as “marites lang” or mere gossip. Jillian reiterated her position, saying, “Never ko po siyang nakilala. Never ko po siyang na-meet. Never ko siyang nakausap, never po kaming nagkita.”
She even joked that she wasn’t sure if Singson knew who she was.
The Kapuso actress also refuted claims that Singson was a sponsor at her debut or a godfather to one of her siblings. “Hindi po talaga totoo… Hindi ko nga po alam kung kilala niya ako. Hindi po talaga kami magkakilala,” she said.
Despite the stress brought by the controversy, Jillian said she remains committed to her craft, revealing that she had briefly thought of stepping away from showbiz but decided to continue after much prayer and reflection. She also confirmed that she and GMA Network are considering legal action for cyber libel.
The episode ended on an emotional note, with Boy Abunda giving Jillian a bouquet and a comforting hug, choosing to forgo the show’s usual ‘Fast Talk’ segment.
Jillian Ward is set to star in the upcoming Kapuso action-drama series ‘Never Say Die’ alongside David Licauco and Kim Ji Soo.
