Photo credit: Maris Racal

Kapamilya actress Maris Racal has opened up about the emotional aftermath of a recent controversy involving private messages shared online between her and actor Anthony Jennings. The incident, which began when Jamela Villanueva, Jennings' ex-girlfriend, posted screenshots of their private conversations, left Racal feeling exposed and humiliated.

“I don’t know where to go. Whenever I go out, I feel like a woman naked. I don’t know what to do. I’m so embarrassed,” Maris shared, clearly overwhelmed by the situation. “I’m truly, truly embarrassed because people saw all of that without my consent, against my will.”

Racal explained how, during her relationship with Jennings, she repeatedly asked him if he had reconciled with his ex, and if he still had feelings for her. “He said no,” Maris recalled, noting how Jennings assured her that she was the one he loved. “I asked him so many times,” she added, seeking clarity on their relationship and the status of his previous one.

However, Racal felt blindsided by the unfolding events, admitting that she was in the dark about Jennings' ongoing relationship with Jamela. “I didn’t know. I was clueless about everything,” she said. “I asked him again, ‘When are you going to release a statement?’ He said he was waiting for the right moment, and I waited because it wasn’t my story to tell.”

As the situation escalated, Maris faced intense public criticism, especially after a wave of bashing hit TikTok. “That hurt me deeply. I begged him to release a statement, but he kept saying ‘wait.’ I was already slowly distancing myself from him romantically at that point,” she confessed.

Despite the pain, Racal expressed understanding for Jamela’s anger, acknowledging that both women had been misled. “I get her now,” Maris said. “We were both clueless about what was really going on.”

The actress also offered a heartfelt apology to her supporters, expressing her regret for the situation. “To the public, I’m sorry you had to see that intimate side of me. It was supposed to be private,” she said, visibly emotional. “I’m sad that this happened, and yes, I don’t want to play the victim here. I made mistakes, and I want to apologize to everyone I’ve hurt.”

Maris also revealed that she had reached out to Jamela last November to make amends but didn’t receive a response. “I don’t know where I’m going from here. My dignity feels lost, and whenever I walk outside, I feel exposed.”

Despite the backlash, Maris is determined to continue her career. “I assure you, I’ll keep fighting. I’ll keep working. The fire in my heart is still burning,” she said, vowing to push through the challenges.

Meanwhile, beauty brand Dazzle Me announced that they had ended their partnership with Maris due to the controversy. In a statement, the brand emphasized the importance of inclusivity, authenticity, and making difficult decisions aligned with their values. While acknowledging Maris' energy and authenticity, Dazzle Me stated that moving in a different direction was necessary to stay true to their principles.

As Maris faces the fallout from the situation, one thing is clear: she remains committed to moving forward, even if the road ahead is uncertain.