For the first time, Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial have openly addressed the real status of their relationship, clarifying that while they have long been linked to each other, they simply chose to keep things private.
In a report aired by ABS-CBN News on January 19, 2026, Imperial explained that they were never hiding their relationship from the public.
“Can I just say that we weren’t hiding. We just chose to have a private relationship talaga, because we know na ayaw namin ng, even I… what people don’t know they can’t ruin,” Barbie said.
Gutierrez echoed her statement, agreeing that privacy has always been their mutual decision.
“I agree from the beginning, ganun talaga. We wan’t to keep things private. Mas relaxed yung ganun, mas gusto namin yung ganun,” Richard said.
The couple’s use of the word “we” during the interview prompted questions about whether they were already confirming their relationship. Addressing this, Imperial referenced a previous interview with Ogie Diaz.
“Sabi nga niya sa isang interview ni Tito Ogie, what you see is what you get? Yeah, ‘yun na ‘yun,” Barbie said.
Gutierrez and Imperial are set to work together in ABS-CBN’s upcoming action drama series ‘Blood vs Duty’. Speaking about their collaboration, Gutierrez shared his excitement over finally working together on-screen.
“Matagal na naming iniisip na what if magkatrabaho, eto na ‘yun finally. Thanks to ABS-CBN, we were given the opportunity to work together,” he said.
“It’s refreshing makikita rin kami ng audience together, on-screen. We really try to live privately, away from social media. But now we’re gonna be working together.”
Imperial jokingly added, “Hindi na ako bibisita sa set ng ‘Incognito.’”
Rumors linking Gutierrez and Imperial began circulating in early 2024 after photos of them together surfaced on social media. Imperial was also spotted with Gutierrez in South Korea, where the actor was taping for the ABS-CBN action series Incognito. Subsequent sightings in Rome, Italy, and other locations further fueled speculation.
The speculation intensified amid reports of Gutierrez’s separation from his wife, Sarah Lahbati. In January 2025, Gutierrez confirmed that they were already undergoing annulment proceedings.
“Siguro yung tungkol sa amin ni Sarah, ayoko na rin pag-usapan, yung mga nangyaring detalye,” Richard said in an earlier interview.
“Kasi, we are actually going through an annulment now. And both parties naman want to move forward.”
He also emphasized their co-parenting arrangement.
“May equal time kami with our kids. So, parang nagko-co-parenting kami. And ang priority namin is to make sure that the kids… live a good life, a happy life.”
Two years after rumors first emerged in January 2024, Gutierrez and Imperial have now finally spoken in unison—confirming that what they share is real, private, and intentionally kept away from unnecessary public scrutiny.
