Rita Avila recalls being sexually harassed by director: ‘Kadiri, nakakatakot’
Rita Avila. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Behind the Scenes with Ynna
Amid several sexual abuse victims recently coming forward, Rita Avila revealed she was also sexually harassed by a director, who she said forcefully tried to kiss her when she was just about to enter show biz.
The veteran actress spoke about the incident through her Instagram post on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Avila began by lamenting the sexual abuse cases in show business, although she clarified that there are still those in the industry who do not tolerate such.
“Sa Seiko Films, Viva Films at iba pang movie productions o TV ay wala naman akong na-encounter na ganun,” she attested, dismissing claims that female lead stars are supposedly required to do indecent acts during auditions.
Recalling her stint as a sexy star, Avila continued, “Tinutuya ako sa pagpapasexy. Excited nga ako sa sexy scenes noon kasi ganun pala ang art; ganun pala ang epekto ng ilaw at anggulo, hindi kelangang ipakita ang kaluluwa.”
Article continues after this advertisementBut despite this, Avila admitted she also has a “secret.”
Article continues after this advertisement“Hindi pa ako artista noon ay may nakilala akong direktor na ‘binebenta’ ako sa producer,” she recounted. “Sabay nananamantala din itong direktor na ito. Pilit humahalik. Kadiri. Nakakatakot.”
Avila said she immediately told her mom about the incident but that the latter just shrugged it off.
“Nagsumbong ako sa nanay ko pero parang wala lang sa kanya. Yun pala ay naaabutan siya,” she lamented, noting that her mom even “pushed” her to be with her cousin-in-law but that she was able to avoid such from happening.
“Nakakapanliit. Nakakagalit. Sobrang masakit,” she said.
Relating to her previous Instagram post about sexual abuse victims speaking up, she continued, “Kanya-kanyang kapalaran at paglalakbay sa buhay… Imbis na manapak, mang-akay.”
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Some of the celebrities who recently spoke out about the sexual abuse and misconducts they suffered were Sandro Muhlach, Gerald Santos and Ahron Villena.
