Yearend Special: Philippine showbiz’s messiest moments in 2024

It’s another chaotic year for Philippine entertainment, but admit it — 2024 is far from boring, what with its own share of cheating controversy, public feud, family drama, to viral scandals. This year, celebrities have been extra active in the headlines, but for the “wrong” reasons.

As the year wraps up, we’ve collated for this Yearend Special some of the messiest intrigues that made the local entertainment industry abuzz. From Mark Anthony Fernandez’s sex video to Maris Racal-Anthony Jennings alleged affair, let’s look back on the juiciest stories that made you scroll for more.

Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings cheating controversy

With allegations of infidelity, private messages leaked, and possibly a career setback, the Maris Racal-Anthony Jennings-Jam Villanueva controversy is one of the messiest stories in showbiz this year, if not the most scandalous.

Just as their individual stardom and love team are rising, Racal and Jennings’ leaked intimate conversation became the fodder for social media, that even the actress acknowledged that it made her embarrassed to come out in public.

Villanueva, too, was not unscathed for leaking the actor’s exchange, as some said that she faces legal repercussions for what she did.

Mark Anthony Fernandez sex video

For several months, Mark Anthony Fernandez was at the top of the page views on Google and INQUIRER.net following the leak of his sex video. In an interview with journalist Julius Babao on his YouTube vlog, the actor confirmed the video’s authenticity, stating that it was leaked after his phone was hacked at a party. 

Fernandez explained that the footage involved a consensual act recorded with an ex-girlfriend, who had initiated the idea as part of their personal “adventure.” 

The actor emphasized that the video showed mutual consent and was not edited to portray him negatively. Fernandez chose not to take legal action or have the video removed as he affirmed that it’s also best for him to stay silent about the issue when it’s still at its peak. 

Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla’s gluta drip

In February 2024, actress and television host Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla faced public scrutiny after sharing an Instagram photo of herself receiving an intravenous (IV) drip while at her husband. Senator Robin Padilla’s Senate office. 

The incident drew criticism from both the public and officials who expressed concern over the appropriateness of conducting such procedures within government premises and the potential promotion of unapproved medical treatments. 

Responding to the backlash, the Padilla couple was forced to issue a public apology, clarifying that the IV drip contained vitamin C, not glutathione, and was administered under professional medical supervision. 

Rosmar Tan, Rendon Labador persona non grata status

In June 2024, social media influencers Rosmar Tan and Rendon Labador, were declared persona non grata in Palawan after they were caught on video berating a municipal staffer who criticized their outreach activities.

Having seen the video circulating on social media, the Palawan Provincial Board and the Coron municipal council passed resolutions declaring both influencers persona non grata, prohibiting them from entering the province again in the future after their disrespectful behavior toward the local government employee.

Following the public outry, Tan and Labador issued an apology to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Coron, Palawan.

Shaira Moro vs. Lenka

In March 2024, Filipino singer Shaira Moro’s song “Selos” was removed from streaming platforms following a copyright claim by Australian artist Lenka. “Selos” was found to have heavily incorporated the melody of Lenka’s 2008 song “Trouble Is a Friend.”

Lenka’s team took action after being informed of the infringement, leading for the song to be taken down online. In response, Moro’s agency, AHS Productions, voluntarily removed “Selos” from all streaming platforms and initiated arrangements to secure the necessary cover license. They issued a statement apologizing to fans and expressing gratitude for the song’s unexpected success. 

On April 11, 2024, both camps reached an agreement for “Selos” to be re-released on streaming platforms with proper credits to the original creators.

4th Impact’s dog hoarding

In early 2024, P-pop girl group 4th Impact drew flak over allegations of irresponsible pet ownership. The controversy arose when the group initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise $10,000 for a “safe and expansive farm” to house their approximately 200 Shih Tzu dogs.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) indirectly addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership and neutering to prevent overpopulation. 

In response to the backlash, Almira Cercado, the eldest member of 4th Impact, defended the group’s actions by explaining their genuine intention to care for the animals. She said that their initial five Shih Tzus were gifts, and the subsequent increase in their dog population was unplanned. 

The incident highlighted the danger of pet overpopulation and the necessity for responsible pet ownership practices, including proper breeding control and adequate resource allocation.

Heart Evangelista and Pia Wurtzbach’s alleged feud

Perhaps, the most avidly followed by readers is the cold war between two of the country’s top celebrity influencers, Heart Evangelista and Pia Wurtzbach.

Evangelista was forced to acknowledge the veiled animosity between them, but said she never had a problem with the 2015 Miss Universe titleholder, except for the “people around her.” The “Heart World” star was apparently referring to her erstwhile glam team who left her camp after a misunderstanding that also allegedly involved maxing out her credit cards and stealing her fashion week contacts.

Her glam team eventually found their muse in Wurtzbach who that same year would suddenly break into the fashion scene, sparking a rivalry with Evangelista. 

Yulo family drama

The drama involving Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo, his girlfriend, Chloe San Jose, and his mother, Angelica, and the rest of his family became the talk of the town this year after it overshadowed the former’s historic gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics.

The rift escalated after netizens noticed Angelica’s seeming nonchalance over Yulo’s accomplishment, which she later on revealed stemmed from her strong disapproval of his relationship with San Jose. Angelica also denied that she’s having problems with her son due to money, as there were earlier reports that she had used Yulo’ winnings and endorsement pays to buy a house and other items.

Amid his mother’s rants, Yulo sided with San Jose, emphasizing his independence and clarifying that their relationship did not aim to isolate him from his family. 

He also bared his mother’s alleged mismanagement of his money, which prompting him to reclaim control over his accounts. 

The tension reached a breaking point after Yulo’s father, Mark Andrew, revealed screenshots of messages that exposed the “disrespect” of San Jose towards Angelica. Chloe then addressed the claims made by Carlos’ family, stressing she only stood up for herself and her boyfriend against “toxicity.”

Hyeri, Ryu Jun Yeol and Han So Hee’s ‘transit’ love

Despite focusing on international stars, the issue involving Hyeri, Ryu Jun Yeol, and Han So Hee has taken up space in the timeline of the Filipinos given their fondness for drama as well as Korean stars. 

Hyeri and Ryu Jun Yeol ended their eight-year relationship in November 2023, citing busy schedules as the reason for the split. A few months later, rumors surfaced about Ryu Jun Yeol and Han So Hee being spotted together on a vacation in Hawaii, leading to speculation about their relationship​.

Ryu Jun Yeol’s and Han So Hee’s agencies initially described their Hawaii trips as personal vacations, requesting privacy. However, after netizens speculated that there has been mishap in the relationship timeline, the labels confirmed the pair’s relationship, clarifying that it started in early 2024, after Ryu Jun Yeol and Hyeri’s breakup​.

After the Hawaii rumors broke, Hyeri posted an image of palm trees on her Instagram story with the caption, “How funny,” seemingly referencing the situation. She also unfollowed Ryu Jun Yeol on the platform.

In response, Han So Hee posted a story seemingly replying to Hyeri’s post, writing, “I find it funny, too.” After the issue gained traction, Han So Hee released a lengthy post, confirming her relationship with Ryu Jun Yeol and apologizing to Hyeri for the Instagram comment.

The situation sparked widespread discussion online, with netizens expressing their divided support. Hyeri received sympathy for being a victim of “transit love,” while Han So Hee faced criticism over her perceived involvement, and Ryu Jun Yeol for his silence.

Bea Alonzo vs Ogie Diaz et. al

This Yearend Special will not be complete without this item on Bea Alonzo who this year saw her announcing her breakup with fiancé Dominic Roque, take exceptions to old friend Boy Abunda’s announcement of the split without her consent, and filing cyber-libel complaints against several individuals, including Ogie Diaz.

Diaz filed his counter-affidavit complaint for perjury and damages against the actress a month later. Despite the legal actions taken, the entertainment talk show emphasized that he has no ill feelings against Alonzo.

On her falling out with Abunda, the “Widow’s War” actress chose to offer the olive branch when she visited his set and hugged out the “conflict” between them.