(From left) Alden Richards, Sharon Cuneta, Maine Mendoza. Images: Instagram/@aldenrichards02, Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta, Instagram/@mainedcm
Alden Richards has stood by Sharon Cuneta after she clarified that she meant no harm to Maine Mendoza’s real-life romance, when the actress-host was teased about the former during the pilot episode of noontime show “EAT” last July 1.
Cuneta earlier drew mixed reactions after teasing Mendoza, who’s currently engaged to actor-politician Arjo Atayde, with Richards during her appearance on the TV5 show. She went on to clarify that she only mentioned her upcoming film with the Kapuso actor, as she noted that the former loveteam are “good friends.”
Speaking at a press conference for his upcoming show “Battle of the Judges,” Richards pointed out that the Megastar didn’t mean to disrespect Mendoza’s relationship with Atayde, per a report from Inquirer Bandera.
“Hindi ko rin po kasi alam kung paano maintindihan nu’ng mga manonood yung delivery po ni Ms. Sharon, but I think she meant well,” he said. “Siguro kung feeling po [ng] iba na nabastos in a way si Arjo at Maine, of course dahil ikakasal na, siguro naman po hindi iyon yung intention ni Ms. Sharon,” he further added.
(I don’t know how did people made conclusions about Ms. Sharon’s delivery at that time, but I think she meant well. I guess those who felt that she disrespected Arjo and Maine in some way, especially that they’re getting married, I’m sure that it’s not Ms. Sharon’s intention.)
The actor then hoped for naysayers to not judge Cuneta after the awkward incident, saying she might’ve been excited as a fan of his former partnership with his “Destined To Be Yours” co-star.
“Sana naman po huwag nating husgahan agad and kumbaga, of course, we pay respect to the couple kasi nga po ikakasal na sila. But siguro na-excite lang din si Ms. Sharon that time. Kasi nga, first balik niya sa [‘EAT’] after that time,” he said.
“Naku-kuwento rin po niya sa akin na fan po siya ng AlDub before so feeling ko po, it’s out of excitement. Sana lang po huwag po masyadong personalin,” he continued.
(I hope that you won’t judge her. Of course, we pay respect to the couple because they’re getting married soon. But Ms. Sharon was possibly excited since she crossed paths with the former “Eat Bulaga” hosts at “EAT” after that time. She told me that she’s a fan of AlDub before, so it’s out of excitement. I hope that you wouldn’t take it personally.)
Richards also stressed that the singer-actress doesn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of “harsh” remarks, as he said that the “situation” deserves to be forgiven.
“Kumbaga, wala pong issue na gustong simulan yung pag-guest po ni Mama Sharon d’un. So, i-forgive na lang natin yung situation. Wag masyadong harsh,” he said.
(I just want to say that Mama Sharon didn’t want to cause an issue during her guesting there. So, let’s forgive the situation. Don’t be too harsh.)
Back in May, Richards said during an interview with showbiz writer Ogie Diaz that he’s “really, really happy” about Mendoza’s relationship with Atayde, as he stressed that her personal life deserves to be respected.
The actress-host has been engaged to Atayde since July 2022, and will reportedly tie the knot in July of this year. EDV