Vic Sotto Takes Legal Action Against Darryl Yap Over ‘Pepsi Paloma’ Movie Trailer

𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗟𝗔, 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 — Veteran actor and television host Vic Sotto has filed a cyber libel complaint against filmmaker Darryl Yap over the trailer of a film about the late 1980s star Pepsi Paloma.

On Thursday, Sotto, accompanied by his legal team, lodged the complaint with the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court, accusing Yap of defamation and seeking P20 million in moral damages and P15 million in exemplary damages.

The complaint stems from a teaser of the upcoming film The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma, which was released online on January 1. The film, set to revisit Paloma’s alleged rape and untimely death, has generated significant controversy.

“I’ve remained silent when the issue first came out, and now, I’m taking legal action,” Sotto shared with reporters. “This is not personal; it’s about the justice system. I’m taking a stand against irresponsible actions, especially on social media.”

In the film’s teaser, Sotto’s name was mentioned in connection with the events surrounding Paloma’s tragic story.

The actor, who had been previously implicated in the allegations, clarified that he had not been consulted about the project. “No one consulted or sought my consent. I only heard about it from my wife,” he said, referring to actress Pauleen Luna.

Sotto declined to comment on whether he believed the issue was politically motivated, despite his son, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, seeking re-election.

He also expressed his confidence in the country’s justice system, adding that his family and friends are supporting him throughout the ordeal.

When asked about filmmaker Darryl Yap’s involvement, Sotto responded with, “Happy New Year,” indicating he had no further message for the director.

Luna, Sotto’s wife, shared that the family had been deeply affected by the controversy. “Of course, we are affected.

As his wife and as parents, it is difficult, but this is the right course of action,” she said.

Despite public reaction to the film’s trailer, Sotto maintained that everyone is entitled to their opinions, but he firmly believes in the justice system.

The film, which is centered around the events of Paloma’s alleged rape and her subsequent death in 1985, has reignited old wounds.

Paloma had accused Sotto, Joey De Leon, and Richie D’Horsie of drugging and raping her.

The case made headlines when Paloma was found dead in her apartment in 1985.

In response to the complaint, Yap took to Facebook, asserting his right to address the matter in court. “Everyone is free to file a complaint. There is no monopoly on justice, especially when it comes to the truth,” he wrote, referring to the legal battle ahead.

The upcoming film, which stars Rhed Bustamante as Paloma, will feature other actors such as Mon Confiado, Gina Alajar, Shamaine Buencamino, and Andres Balano Jr.

While Sotto clarified that he holds no ill will toward the actors involved, he emphasized that they are merely doing their jobs.

The film is expected to be released this year, though no specific date has been confirmed.

Yap is also the director of the controversial Maid in Malacañang, which sparked debates when it was released in 2022.