PAMI talents banned from working with Baron

MANILA, Philippines – The Professional Artist Management, Inc. (PAMI) on Wednesday night called on all artists managed by its members to stop working with actor Baron Geisler.

The group issued the decision after holding an emergency meeting on the complaint against the actor filed by actress Cherry Pie Picache.

PAMI said that Geisler's manager Arnold Vegafria "is in agreement that Baron needs professional and medical help and has expressed to PAMI that Baron is willing to undergo treatment."

PAMI said it is supporting Vegafria in his efforts to assist the artist but decided to inhibit artists managed by its members from working with the controversial actor "until such time that PAMI believes Baron Geisler is fully rehabilitated."

PAMI also sought for Geisler to make a public apology to Picache.

The actor allegedly touched Picache's breasts. Geisler has denied the allegations.

PAMI, meanwhile, wants "assurance from all networks and movie producers to ensure that any actor in an intoxicated state should not be allowed on the set" and that "all PAMI-managed artists should not be exposed to incidents like this again for their safety and security"

The group, however, recognized the fact that it doesn't have any power to dictate over entertainment networks who could possibly give Geisler some projects.

The body only has a direct control over the artists or talents managed by PAMI members.

Lawmaker wants Geisler in ‘blacklist’

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares on Wednesday also called on the entertainment industry not to employ the controversial actor after he figured in the controversy.

Colmenares said that aside from acts of lasciviousness, Geisler’s actions against Picache may also be a violation of the anti-sexual harassment law.

The lawmaker said sexual harassment under the law may occur between a boss and subordinate and also between colleagues.

Colmenares said the actor must also be given time to reform before he is allowed to work with his colleagues again.

Yasmien Kurdi case

The case filed by actress Yasmien Kurdi against Geisler was arraigned Wednesday.

The actor pleaded not guilty to the 2 counts of acts of lasciviousness and 2 counts of unjust vexation.

This brought Kurdi to tears. She emphasized that she’s the one telling the truth.

Geisler, on the other hand, claimed that he will never apologize for something he did not commit.

On May 21, 2009, Kurdi filed a harassment case against Geisler when the latter allegedly made "lewd gestures" and "indecent proposals" to her during the taping of the television series "Suspetsa" in Bocaue, Bulacan.