Marjorie Barretto has finally broken her silence amid reports of a scuffle involving her and sisters Gretchen and Claudine at the wake of their father, Miguel.
The confrontation, which reportedly involved other Barretto relatives, ensued after President Rodrigo Duterte, who condoled with the bereaved family, asked Gretchen and Marjorie to shake hands for the sake of respect of Mr. Barretto.
"It was all so nice until Marjorie had a nervous breakdown," Gretchen told ABS-CBN News. "Marjorie was not happy that I was there to reunite with family."
The following day, a report from DZMM TeleRadyo said that Claudine was hospitalized after figuring in a physical confrontation with Marjorie at their dad's wake at The Heritage Park in Taguig.
Na-confine si Claudine Barretto sa St Luke's BGC matapos magtamo ng mga galos sa kamay at makaramdam ng pagkahilo kasunod ng alitan sa burol ng kanilang ama. (📸 Gretchen Barretto) | via @dzmmRP45 pic.twitter.com/Ilcui1DE4j
— DZMM TeleRadyo (@DZMMTeleRadyo) October 17, 2019
Ruby Baguhin, a staff member of Gretchen who rushed Claudine to the hospital, claimed that the younger Barretto sustained an injury on her hand and complained of dizziness following the alleged scuffle with Marjorie.
However, all these claims are lies as far as Marjorie is concerned.
"There are very disturbing news going around right now. All these years, I have kept my peace and I always chose to ignore all the LIES that my sisters spread about me and my children. But nothing can get lower than this. Giving false statements to the press, and twisting stories about what really happened in my Father’s wake is by far the most epic one," said the former actress in a statement on Instagram on Friday noon.
"They have tried so hard over the years to destroy my name, I have nothing to lose anymore at this point. I love my family very much, they are my core. I am all for reconciliation. We were hoping for that all those 16 days that my Father was fighting for his life in the hospital. It would have been nice if she made her peace in the quiet of my Fathers' room. With no cameras. Don’t be fooled by the statements of my sisters, they are leaving out a very important detail of what really caused pain and tension in the wake," she added.
Marjorie then asked the public to "allow our family to grieve" and "hold your judgement and opinions" until THEIR father is laid to rest.
"Then WE WILL FOR THE FIRST TIME SPEAK THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. I would like to ask for prayers too. Because when I speak the truth, my life and my children’s life will be put in danger. My sisters boyfriend is powerful in a very bad way (and I don’t mean Tony Boy) and in speaking the truth I won’t be able to leave his name out," she said.
Ending her statement, Marjorie extended her gratitude and apologies to President Duterte, saying that she "will always be grateful" for his kindness.
"To dear President Duterte, thank you for being there for the family and sharing in our grief. My apologies that your name was dragged into this," she said.
Read her full statement below: