Vic Sotto has taken legal action against director Darryl Yap, filing 19 counts of cyberlibel following the release of a teaser for The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma. The teaser featured Sotto’s name in connection with the late actress Pepsi Paloma, sparking controversy.
Sotto’s lawyer, Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz, confirmed that the charges were filed at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC). The actor and television host arrived at the courthouse accompanied by his wife, Pauleen Luna.
In the teaser, the actress playing Pepsi Paloma was asked if she had been raped by Vic Sotto, to which the character responded affirmatively. The scene prompted Sotto to break his silence and pursue legal action.
In an interview, Sotto explained his decision: “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.”
Sotto criticized the production team for not seeking his consent. “Walang kumunsulta, walang nagpaalam, walang consent,” he said.
However, he clarified that he holds no grudge against the actors involved in the project. “Wala, trabaho lang ‘yon, no problem,” he added.
Sotto also shared that his family, friends, and supporters are rallying behind him in his quest for justice. When asked for a message to Yap, he kept his response brief: “Happy New Year.”
Following the filing of the case, the Muntinlupa RTC ordered the immediate removal of the teaser.
Yap has previously claimed that the movie focuses on the story of Pepsi Paloma and is not centered on Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon (TVJ). However, he did not deny the inclusion of TVJ in the film. Attempts to reach Yap for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
