GMA independent contractors respond to complaint filed by Sandro Muhlach
The camp of GMA Network independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz has responded to the formal complaint filed by Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach.
The pair issued a statement through their legal counsel Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque on Aug. 2.
"Our clients are deeply saddened by the serious allegations hurled against them circulating on social media," Abraham-Garduque said.
In the statement, the lawyer said the allegations "do not mirror the true accounts of the event."
“We would like to reserve the right to respond in a proper forum when we receive a copy of the formal complaint," she said.
“For the meantime, we urge the public to respect the investigation being conducted on this case and we advise people who have no personal knowledge of the incident to refrain from posting baseless defamatory allegations and therefore unfairly subjecting both parties to publicity trial.”
Niño Muhlach issues statement
Sandro's father Niño Muhlach also issued a statement on Aug. 2 evening.
"Our family has suffered so much because of the unspeakable and vile acts done to our son. We ask for your prayers to help us muster enough strength and courage to withstand the horror of re-living the dastardly acts of the perpetrators as we seek justice through our legal system. Thank you for all your support and kind words and your gracious gift of space. We truly appreciate it," he wrote in a Facebook post.
On Aug. 1, GMA Network issued a statement saying they received a formal complaint from Sandro against Nones and Cruz. It did not specify the issue involving the three individuals.
The names of Sandro, Nones, and Cruz have been making the rounds on social media after a local entertainment news website published a blind item claiming that two program executives harassed a newbie artist in a hotel room.
The alleged incident happened while an extravagant gathering took place on the hotel's premises, the report said.
GMA recently held its gala night last July 20 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport Pasay City.