Filmmaker Darryl Yap took to social media to share his thoughts on the late actress Pepsi Paloma, describing her as a “victim,” amid news that comedian and TV host Vic Sotto is set to file a case against him. The controversy arose after Yap’s upcoming film trailer for “TROPP” (The Real Odyssey of Pepsi Paloma) allegedly mentioned Sotto as one of Paloma’s purported rapists.
Sotto’s camp released a media advisory announcing their plan to file a complaint against Yap before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m. The trailer of Yap’s movie, released on Jan. 2, included a scene where actress Gina Alajar, playing Charito Solis, questions Rhed Bustamante, portraying Paloma, about whether she was raped by Sotto. This depiction has sparked legal action and reignited discussions about the decades-old controversy surrounding Paloma’s tragic life.
On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Yap posted a screenshot of the media advisory alongside reports about the planned filing. He also shared a separate post featuring a photo of Paloma with the caption “V I C T I M” and the hashtags #PepsiPaloma and #TROPP. These posts have added fuel to the already heated debate online.
Despite the escalating tension, Yap has not directly commented on Sotto’s impending legal move as of this writing. However, he previously addressed the mixed reactions to the film’s trailer, describing the project as a “shocking truthful revelation” based on accounts from Paloma’s family. Yap denied having any personal or political motive to target Sotto, stating he intended to shed light on the late actress’s story.
The film has divided public opinion. Some netizens praised Yap for his boldness in revisiting a controversial chapter in Philippine showbiz history, while others criticized the potential defamation and insensitivity toward those implicated. Legal experts and public figures have weighed in, noting the complexities of dramatizing sensitive issues, particularly when involving living individuals.
The Pepsi Paloma case has long been shrouded in intrigue, with allegations of rape and coercion tied to high-profile names. Paloma’s mysterious death in 1985, ruled as suicide, remains a subject of speculation.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the controversy surrounding Yap’s film is likely to intensify, bringing renewed attention to the decades-old scandal and raising questions about artistic freedom, accountability, and the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers.