Actor and TV host Vic Sotto has filed 19 counts of cyberlibel against director Darryl Yap following the release of a film teaser for The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma. The teaser included a mention of Sotto’s name, prompting legal action.
Sotto’s lawyer, Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz, confirmed that the case was lodged with the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC). Sotto, accompanied by his wife, Pauleen Luna, personally appeared in court to pursue the charges.
In the teaser, the actress playing Pepsi Paloma is asked if Vic Sotto raped her, to which her character responds affirmatively.
In an interview, Sotto said he had initially remained silent regarding the viral videos but decided to act to defend his name. “A lot of people have been asking me, ‘Ano reaction mo?’ Ito na po yun. Ito na po yung reaction ko. Sabi ko nga eh, ito’y walang personalan ito, I just trust in our justice system. Ako’y laban sa mga irresponsableng tao lalo na pagdating sa social media,” he stated.
Sotto revealed that no one from the film’s production consulted or sought his consent regarding the portrayal. “Walang kumunsulta, walang nagpaalam, walang consent,” he said.
Despite this, Sotto expressed no ill feelings toward the actors involved, saying, “Wala, trabaho lang ‘yon, no problem.”
He added that he has the full support of his family, friends, and others who stand with him in his quest for justice. As for his message to Yap, Sotto simply wished him a “happy new year.”
GMA News Online attempted to contact Yap for comment but received no response at the time of writing.
Meanwhile, the Muntinlupa RTC promptly ordered the removal of the film teaser from circulation.
Yap previously clarified that the movie is not about TVJ—the iconic trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon—but is centered on Pepsi Paloma. However, he did not deny that TVJ would be featured in the film.
