This is the first time that Richard has spoken about Barbie in public.

There’s something about keeping a low-key dating life among celebs these days. The buzz would keep going for months until someone breaks their silence and updates us with the details of their relationship. Case in point: Richard Gutierrez, who finally spoke about his alleged romantic connection to another Kapamilya talent, Barbie Imperial.

For the first time since dating speculations between Richard and Barbie made headlines, Richard finally described their relationship with the celeb classic, “what you see is what you get” statement. “Siguro for now, like gaya nga ng sabi mo, nakikita naman ng mga tao. Doon muna tayo sa what you see is what you get sa amin ni Barbie,” he disclosed in an interview with Ogie Diaz, uploaded on January 16.

Exactly a year ago, in January 2024, Richard and Barbie were first spotted together inside a restaurant. The Internet was FR invested in the Richard-Barbie arc that every time they were seen in public, it made headlines.

Richard Gutierrez on rumors that Barbie Imperial is the “third party”

Richard and Barbie’s blossoming romance was already intriguing on its own, but it was made even more compelling as it emerged shortly after Richard’s controversial split from his ex-wife, Sarah Lahbati. Richard, 40, and Sarah, 31, were together for ten years and share two children.

So along with the low-key confirmation of his dating status with Barbie, the actor spelled out that the 26-year-old actress was never the reason for the fallout of his marriage with Sarah. “Hindi siya third party, hindi nag-overlap. Kasi maraming mga tao, ‘yun nga, mga bashers, na nagsasabi na siya ang dahilan. Wala siyang kinalaman,” he emphasized.

In late 2023, the Internet buzzed with speculation as public—and Instagram—sightings of Richard and Sarah dwindled. The once PDA-loving couple seemed to vanish from view, fueling breakup rumors. By March 2024, Sarah confirmed the news, announcing that she was officially single.

Almost a year later, Richard publicly addressed his separation from Sarah, clarifying that their marriage had ended long before he met Barbie. He hoped this would put an end to the hate comments directed at Barbie. “Nakilala ko si Barbie, matagal na kaming nagkahiwalay ng landas ni Sarah. Siyempre kasi parang ang daming nagre-react sa kanya, ang daming mga nag-hate comment sa kanya. So siyempre, kailangan ko siyang protektahan. Kailangan ko rin i-clarify yun, di ba?” he commented.

Richard Gutierrez on what he admires about Barbie Imperial

With all that said, Richard was indeed also open about his thoughts on Barbie as an individual. After all, people are also curious about what sparked their romance.

Richard shared that he admires Barbie for her authenticity, even with their 14-year age gap. He described her as “totoong-totoong tao,” telling Ogie in the vlog, “What you see is what you get talaga rin sa kanya. Mabuting tao, maalaga. Nakikita mo na genuine ‘yung intentions niya, genuine ‘yung pagkatao niya.”

The actor also confirmed that they met each other through their businesses. He explained that he and Barbie are both partners of a gastropub in Alabang. Afterward, they would hang out and meet up with friends and naturally got to know each other. “And ‘yun, masaya siyang kasama, enjoy kaming dalawa, and doon na nagsimula,” he shared.