Photo credit: TVJ and Darryl Yap

Comedian Vic Sotto has taken legal action against movie director Darryl Yap, filing 19 counts of cyber libel on Thursday at the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court. The lawsuit includes a civil claim for damages amounting to at least ₱35 million, triggered by the inclusion of Sotto's name in Yap’s upcoming film, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.

The controversy began with the release of the film’s trailer, where a scene depicted a fictional conversation about the late Pepsi Paloma. In the teaser, actress Gina Alajar, playing Charito Solis, asks Paloma, portrayed by Rhed Bustamante, if she had been raped by Vic Sotto. Paloma responds loudly, "Yes!"—sparking outrage and legal repercussions.

In his complaint, Sotto emphasized the severity of the defamatory statement, arguing that such posts not only damage his reputation but could also result in the loss of endorsement contracts, potentially leading to a significant loss of income. Sotto’s legal team also asserts that Yap should be held accountable for exemplary damages to deter others from committing similar offenses.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over the impact of defamatory statements on social media and in entertainment, with Sotto seeking justice for what he believes are irreparable damages caused by the film’s portrayal.