Marian Rivera accused of verbally attacking young co-star

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Marian Rivera has been accused of verbally assaulting her 19-year-old co-star in a television show.  

In an interview with celebrity talk show “Paparazzi,” Eva Cariño-Padilla disclosed that a jealous Rivera hurled invectives at her granddaughter, budding star Bela Padilla, during a location shoot in Clark, Pampanga.

It allegedly happened inside the bathroom of Fontana Leisure Park.

Rumor has it that the 26-year-old actress got infuriated after Bela got too close to Dingdong Dantes in one of their scenes. Dantes is Rivera’s real-life boyfriend.

According to Eva, mother of action star Robin Padilla, Bela confessed to her the alleged verbal attack after much prodding from her.

The alleged verbal attack

Citing Bela’s accounts, Eva said the incident took place after their taping. Rivera, Eva said, had told her granddaughter to go inside the toilet after the shooting.

The 26-year-old star had followed Bela inside, ordered the other guests to leave, and then locked the door. Inside, Eva said Rivera had then begun her alleged verbal assault.

“Sinabihan daw siya ni Marian, ‘Ayokong makita ang pagmumukha mo. Ang pangit, pangit mo... tsaka hindi ka marunong umarte. Boba,’” Eva said. “Sabi, ‘Wala namang gusto sa’yo si Dingdong ha.’ Paulit ulit na sinabi ng ganoon.”

She said her granddaughter felt helpless at that time and could only cry. She said Bela was "very afraid" of Marian.

“Itong batang ito walang nakaka-away…. napakabait. Tapos biglang lumabas itong Marian na ito na parang tigre. So, nasindak si Bela. Pag alis ni Marian sinabi na, ‘Ayokong makita talaga yang pagmumukha mo sa TV,’” Eva said.

She said Rivera had uttered so many nasty words against her granddaughter, but she could not bear to repeat them on national TV. “Yokong magbanggit ng ganoong klase ng salita. Si Marian lang siguro ang may lakas ng loob nang magbitiw ng ganoong salita.”

During her interview, Eva threatened to sue the actress if she does not issue a public apology.

Meantime, reports said the camp of Rivera has opt to remain quiet on the controversy. 

Bela, whose real name is Krista Sullivan, is the daughter of Eva's niece, Meg Cariño, according to reports.

She was part of Star Magic Batch 15, which was launched in 2008.