Kapuso actress Klea Pineda has finally addressed the speculation involving Kapamilya star Janella Salvador in her recent breakup with long-time girlfriend Katrice Kierulf.
In a brief interview with GMA News during the GMA Gala 2025, Klea directly dismissed rumors that Janella was the third party that allegedly caused the split.
“Oh yeah, of course, I’m aware sa nangyayari but sinasabi ko, ako na nagsasabi mismo sa inyo na walang third party na nangyari,” Klea stated.
The actress explained that her closeness with Janella stemmed from working together on the sapphic Cinemalaya film Open Endings, where they co-starred alongside Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Leanne Mamonong.
“Yung closeness namin ni Janella inevitable siya kasi magkasama kami sa film. So, kaming apat sa film, si Jasmine, si Leanne, si Janella and me, yung closeness namin talagang nadevelop during shooting days namin,” she clarified.
Ending her statement, Klea urged the public to stop fueling unfounded rumors: “The third party issue, come on, guys! Tama na.”
Klea confirmed her breakup with Katrice during her interview with Boy Abunda last July 18.
"Yes, Tito Boy, yes po. May mga kaniya-kaniya kaming priorities. Mutual decision 'yung nangyari, mutual 'yung breakup namin and umabot na kami sa point na gusto niya unahin 'yung sarili niya. Gusto ko rin naman unahin 'yung sarili ko this time, piliiin 'yung sarili ko this time," she revealed.
She further explained that they realized they were no longer helping each other grow. Klea also addressed cheating rumors that emerged after Katrice reposted TikTok videos related to infidelity.
"Vinavalue ko 'yung loyalty, 'yung love namin, 'yung respeto ko sa kaniya and 'di ko ever balak sirain 'yun or hindi ko ever inisip na makasira ng tao dahil sa ganiyang maling ginagawa na cheating," she said. "No, Tito Boy, sobrang proud akong sabihin 'yun na no. Hindi ko kayang gawin 'yun kay Kat kasi masyado kong mahal si Kat, ayoko makita siyang nasasaktan pa.”
Following the breakup, Klea penned a heartfelt message for Katrice, reflecting on their three-year relationship.
“To Katrice, naging masaya naman tayo di ba? Napakadami natin magagandang nagawa magkasama at pagsubok na nalagpasan na hindi ko gugustuhin kalimutan kahit kailan. Nakatatak lahat yun sa puso at isip ko. Napakarami kong dapat ipagpasalamat sa'yo Kat. Lagi mong tatandaan na nakasuporta pa din ako sayo kahit anong mangyari,” she stated.
“Tatlong taon na punong puno ng pagmamahal. Hindi ko alam kung swerte ba ako dahil nakilala kita at naging parte ka ng buhay ko o malas kasi binigay ka nga sa akin pero may hangganan din naman. Salamat sa pagmamahal na binigay mo sa akin, Kat. Lagi mong tatandaan na kahit anong mangyari, hindi mawawala pagmamahal ko sa'yo,” she continued.
However, speculation reignited online after Klea and Janella were seemingly spotted spending time together, and Katrice appeared to have liked a comment suggesting Janella was the reason behind their breakup.
“wait wtf what do u mean si janella ang dahilan kung bakit naghiwalay si klea at katrice??? 😭😭😭,” a netizen posted on X, alongside a screenshot of Katrice liking a comment.
Adding to the buzz, netizens speculated that Janella’s recent cryptic tweet may be her indirect response to the controversy:
“You will hear from me. Right place, right time,” she said.
As of this writing, Janella Salvador has yet to release an official statement regarding the rumors.