Claudine Barretto denies hand in Jodi Sta. Maria’s absence at party

Claudine Barretto says she’s clueless about Jodi Sta. Maria’s absence at Mr. M’s party | Images: Instagram/@claubarretto, @jodistamaria

Claudine Barretto debunked the rumors that she has “something” to do with Jodi Sta. Maria’s absence at Johnny Manahan’s, recent tribute party, and that even if she was there, she would not have caused a scene if not provoked.

Reports earlier stated that Sta. Maria was originally invited to Manahan’s “Night of 100 Stars” party, but then was “disinvited” in favor of Barretto which whom the Kapamilya actress currently had a feud. Sta. Maria is rumored to be in a relationship with Barretto’s estranged husband, Raymart Santiago.

There were also speculations that Sta. Maria withdrew her confirmation to attend the star-studded gathering upon learning that Barretto would be in attendance. 

During a round-table interview with members of the media for her upcoming film “When Magic Hurts” on Thursday, March 20, Barretto said she’s clueless about the rumors. She however, claimed that Sta. Maria “has the right” to attend the party.

“Ang daming naglalabasan na issues na ganyan. Gusto ko lang iklaro na wala ho akong alam diyan. She has as much right to be there as I am,” she declared.

Barretto further explained that she “has no power” to influence Sta. Maria’s attendance at the party, as it was not about them, but Manahan, who was celebrating his 50 years as a “Starmaker”. 

The “Lovers/Liars” actress she had no idea if Sta. Maria indeed backed out of the party, or she just had a prior commitment at the time. 

When asked if she would have turned away if Sta. Maria had attended the party and they crossed paths, Barretto said it was not likely. In fact, Barretto said that Sta. Maria might be the one to “avoid her.”

“Ako naman, diretso ako, totoo naman ako na tao. Walang gulong mangyayari. Hindi naman ganun ‘yun. Siguro siya yung iiwas, hindi ako,” she said. 

Barretto further remarked that she is not ready yet to have an encounter with the “Unbreak My Heart” actress.“Hindi. Kasi ang mga anak ko ‘yung involved dito. ‘Yun lang ang masasabi ko. Hindi rin. ‘Yung totoo lang,” she said.