Singer and content creator Issa Pressman revealed that she survived a “life-threatening moment” at the height of intense cyberbullying, saying online harassment can break even the strongest individuals.
In an in-depth interview with broadcast journalist Karen Davila on her YouTube channel, Issa said the death of content creator Emman Atienza deeply affected her because she saw how online hate can extinguish a person’s light.
“When I found out about Emman’s case, I was so sad,” she said. “It hurts me to know that bashers took that light away from her.”
Issa said she decided to share her story publicly even if it may “attract more noise,” hoping that opening up could “save one more life.”
Issa said the harassment intensified after she and actor James Reid went public with their relationship in 2023. She received derogatory labels online, including accusations of being a “third party,” which she denied.
According to Issa, closing her comment sections and blocking accounts led to brands backing out of partnerships, eventually forcing six of her businesses to shut down. She said the bullying escalated to real-life encounters where strangers filmed her and harassed her in public.
“It became so intense. People would threaten me, like ‘Tatapunan ko ng acid yung mukha mo,’” she said. “I became so scared.”
Issa said this fear pushed her to avoid events and limit her social media activity.
She also revealed a business partner once tried to break her and James apart and even paid individuals to spread more negative content online.
Issa detailed the impact of the harassment on her mental health, saying she endured a year of sleepless nights and eventually began believing the accusations thrown at her.
“I started believing that I was worth nothing,” she said. “I started hating myself too.”
She admitted she reached a breaking point and attempted to take her own life.
“I gave up at a certain point,” she shared. Issa said she survived the attempt and woke up realizing “maybe this is not yet my time.”
Issa credited James Reid for helping her recover.
“I had no energy to pull myself out, but I have James to pull me out,” she said. “He taught me how to love myself.”
Issa said Emman’s death brought back memories of her own struggle and emphasized the need for compassion online.
“I wish people could see life the way I see it… Why do we have to push people to the edge?” she said.
In the same interview, Issa confirmed that actress Nadine Lustre gave her blessing before she and James went public, saying she messaged Nadine out of respect. Nadine responded kindly, she said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, help is available:
- DOH-NCMH Crisis Hotline: 0917-899-8727 / (02) 7-989-8727
- Hopeline (NGF): 0917-558-4673 / 0918-873-4673 / (02) 8-804-4673
- In Touch Crisis Line: 0917-800-1123 / 0922-893-8944 / (02) 8-893-7603
