Actress Rhian Ramos has opened up about the controversy surrounding her, sharing her reaction to the allegations made by her former personal driver and how the issue has affected her personally.
In an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on March 6, Rhian looked back on the accusations made by her personal driver earlier this year, claiming that she, Michelle Dee, and Samantha Panlilio repeatedly assaulted and “tortured” him inside her condominium from January 17 to January 19.
Another issue raised involved claims that the driver allegedly stole an “angpao” said to contain sensitive photographs of the women.
As the issue spread online, Rhian said she felt disappointed by how quickly some people formed conclusions.
“I find it so unfortunate that people are always so quick to jump to conclusions even without confirmation.”
Despite people close to her urging her to respond publicly, the actress said she believes it is important to respect the legal process while an investigation is ongoing.
“To be honest, the people in my life that care about me, they do want me to defend myself. But we do also have to understand that there is an investigation going on. That really has to take priority. As much as I want to say as much as I can and give you details, I think now is not the right time. But when the right time comes, I would love to come back and tell you everything.”
READ: NBI issues subpoenas to Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos, and Samantha Panlilio
The actress also addressed a social media post she shared in February on X (formerly Twitter), where she posted fish emojis that quickly caught the attention of netizens. Many online users interpreted the post as a hint that something suspicious was happening behind the scenes.
Rhian confirmed that the post was indeed cryptic, but said she intentionally left its meaning open to interpretation.
“To be completely honest, is it a cryptic post? Yes. That’s what makes it up to other people’s interpretation. All I can say about that is that, wherever you are in a house if someone’s cooking fish – even if you can’t see the fish, you know because you can smell it.”
Asked which comments hurt her the most amid the controversy, the actress admitted that although she has grown accustomed to criticism after years in show business, some things can still affect her.
“There are some times that I will get hurt pero to be honest, medyo matagal na rin ako in the industry. I know that it’s a part of the territory of being an artista. Medyo sanay na rin ako na kung ano-ano yung sinasabi about me. I think I built a pretty much thick skin already pagdating sa mga defamatory things being said.”
For Rhian, the pain often comes not from the statements themselves but from thinking about the possible intentions behind them.
“What I think na nakakasakit sa akin ay pag nai-imagine ko kung ano yung pinanggagalingan no’ng taong nagsabi. Kung ano yung intensyon niya, doon ako nasasaktan eh kasi that’s what changes my view on the world, about this country, and what kind of justice system we have – what's okay and accepted. People will do it in what I would say a ‘dirty intention’. Doon ako nasasaktan.”
Amid the controversy, the actress said she remains grateful for the unwavering support she continues to receive from her family and close friends, noting that difficult moments often reveal who truly stands by her.
During the same interview, Rhian also confirmed that she and entrepreneur Sam Verzosa had ended their relationship, revealing that their breakup happened in October last year.
Despite this dark chapter in her life, the actress said she remains grounded and confident as she is operating from a place of gratitude and good heart.
Just earlier this week, Rhian said she is also exploring the possibility of legal action against her former driver.
“For me definitely, I am already exploring those options. Too much has been said and done and I don’t understand the intentions of people doing it. Damage has been done and someone needs to take accountability,” she said in an interview held in Quezon City.
While she wants to eventually share her full story, Rhian maintained that she will allow her legal team to handle the matter for now.
“The right people will answer. At the moment, if there is an investigation, it is all going to be coming from my legal team. Pero after I look forward to telling everyone my side,” she said.
Despite the noise surrounding the controversy, the actress said she continues to cope by focusing on gratitude and perspective.
“I am pretty good. I am functioning from a lot of gratitude because I know I am a very lucky person and even my life on the worst day is someone else’s dream. I just think about how lucky I am,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation has issued subpoenas to Rhian, Michelle, and Samantha in late February as part of its ongoing probe into the allegations.