Filipino actress and singer Maris Racal is best known for playing Irene Tiu in the ABS-CBN romantic drama series Can’t Buy Me Love. She recently issued a public apology over the alleged infidelity controversy surrounding her and her Can’t Buy Me Love co-star Anthony Jennings. The ongoing saga began after Jennings’ former girlfriend Jamela Villanueva released screenshots of pirate conversations between Racal and Jennings.
What did Maris Racal say about Anthony Jennings?
Racal appeared on the local TV network ABS-CBN and spoke for over 10 minutes, offering what appears to be her versions of events, and apologized. “Today, I will be speaking from my heart… Today I will take accountability for everything… And I wanna say sorry for everything that I’ve done,” she began.
In her apology, Maris Racal stated that her relationship with Jennings began in June 2024. She was lonely, and Jennings gave her the attention she sought. She also claimed that she didn’t know that Jennings was in a relationship with Villanueva at the time.
“I’m truly embarrassed because people saw those intimate conversations without my consent. Against my will. I don’t know where I’m gonna go. Whenever I go out, whenever I walk, I feel like I’m a naked woman walking,” she stated.
Racal proceeded to say that she regretted what she had done and added that she understood why Villanueva was angry. “I want to say sorry to those people I have hurt,” Racal elaborated. “Now I get her [Villanueva]. I get her pain. I get her wrath. I get her anger.”
After Maris Racal issued her apology, Jennings shared a video in which he asked forgiveness from both Racal and Villanueva. “For everything that has happened the past few days, for all the people I hurt, especially Maris [Racal] and Jam [Villanueva], I apologize to the two women. And to all those who were affected too. I’m sorry again,” he said. (via Gulf News)
Racal, whose legal name is Mariestella Cañedo Racal, reportedly lost at least one major endorsement deal because of the controversy. Notably, before Jennings, she was in a relationship with musician Rico Blanco.
