Kapamilya actor Richard Gutierrez shared how happy he is now with Barbie Imperial. In an interview with veteran columnist and talent manager Ogie Diaz, the Incognito star maintained that the Kapamilya actress wasn’t the reason for his split with ex-wife, Sarah Lahbati.
It was back in 2024 when Sarah confirmed that they decided to part ways with one another.
READ: Sarah Lahbati confirms split with Richard Gutierrez
When asked about the real score between them, Richard didn’t hesitate to answer for the first time ever. He clarified, however, that Barbie came into his life long after his relationship ended with his ex-wife.
“Siguro for now, gaya ng sabi mo, nakikita naman ng mga tao, doon muna tayo sa what you see is what you get sa amin ni Barbie. Ang gusto ko lang siguro iclarify doon sa mga tao is that si Barbie walang kinalaman sa paghihiwalay namin ni Sarah. Hindi siya third party, hindi nag overlap,” he shared.
He added that he wanted to protect the Kapamilya actress from the hate she’s been receiving on social media because of the misinformation surrounding his relationship.
“Maraming mga tao–– mga bashers–– nagsasabi na siya ang dahilan. Wala siyang kinalaman. Nakilala ko si Barbie matagal na kami nagkahiwalay ng landas ni Sarah. Gusto ko lang iclarify siyempre parang ang daming nag rereact sa kanya, mga nag hahate comments sa kanya. Siyempre, kailangan ko siyang protektahan. Kailangan ko rin iclarify yun,” he added.
Meanwhile, Richard revealed that he likes the genuineness of Barbie which was what drew him to her.
READ: Richard Gutierrez on renewing contract with ABS-CBN: ‘I’m proud to be a Kapamilya’
“Si Barbie kasi totoong tao, what you see is what you get talaga rin sa kanya. Mabuting tao, maalaga, makikita mo na genuine yung intentions niya, genuine yung pagkatao niya,” he reasoned.
It was last year when Richard and Barbie were spotted together for the first time which the netizens used as fuel to hate on the latter. Since then, the two have been spotted at several occasions–– both looking happy in each other’s presence.