Actor-musician James Reid has opened up about one of the most difficult chapters of his life, revealing that he lost around ₱150 million after a business venture “went horribly wrong” and crediting girlfriend Issa Pressman for helping him get through the ordeal.
James shared his story during an appearance on Gary Valenciano’s podcast Unshaken with Gary V., where he reflected on the personal and professional challenges that tested him over the past few years.
“I’m sure you heard that I had a business partner, and things went horribly wrong.”
Although James did not identify the individual during the interview, he had previously spoken publicly in 2024 about his dispute with former Careless business partner Jeffrey Oh, alleging that the businessman owed him more than ₱100 million and had outstanding financial obligations involving other companies. Oh has previously denied allegations made against him, and the parties’ dispute has been publicly documented.
Looking back on the financial loss, James said nearly all of his savings—earned over more than a decade in show business—were wiped out.
“I lost ₱150 million. That was like the last 10 years of work that I’ve done, probably more. It was almost all of what I’ve saved.”
He admitted that the experience left him emotionally drained and struggling to process what had happened. James also acknowledged that he had placed too much trust in his former business partner despite receiving warnings from people around him.
“I really got tricked into this crazy situation where he had a little bit too much control over what I would spend on. There was a little bit too much trust there.”
James also revisited the controversy surrounding the Wavy Baby Music Festival in Cebu in 2023, which was organized by Careless and drew criticism because of logistical and operational issues.
“It was a nightmare… just problem after problem after problem, and police showing up because it was just not planned properly.”
Despite everything that happened, James said there was one bright spot during that difficult period—his relationship with Issa Pressman, whom he began dating around the same time. According to the actor, Issa was the person who helped him recognize what was happening and encouraged him to confront the situation.
“It was Issa that woke me up to all of it. She’s the one that really had to shake me and be like, ‘Hey, you really need to wake up.'”
James described Issa as his “compass” during his darkest moments, saying her love and unwavering support gave him the strength to move forward despite the financial and emotional setbacks.
“That love became my compass… I believe that God sent specifically the brightest light in my darkest moments.”
Following the fallout, James said he decided to part ways with his business partner to, in his words, “remove the poison” from his life. While he did not provide an update on whether all financial issues had been resolved, he emphasized that the experience taught him valuable lessons about trust, business, and resilience. Today, James continues to focus on rebuilding both his career and personal life, with Issa remaining by his side.
