On January 9, 2025, Vic Sotto, a popular Philippine television host, filed a lawsuit against director Darryl Yap over the trailer for his upcoming film “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.” In the trailer, Vic Sotto’s name was mentioned, which he said was untrue and damaging to his reputation.
Vic Sotto filed a lawsuit at the Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office, alleging 19 violations of Section 4 of the Cybercrime Prevention Act (Republic Act 10175), with a claim for moral damages and exemplary damages amounting to P35 million.
After the lawsuit was filed, the Muntinlupa District Court issued an administrative writ of habeas data, ordering Darryl Yap to stop posting teasers and promotional materials related to the film, and prohibiting the release of the film.
Previously, on January 1, 2025, a 26-second teaser for the movie “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma” was posted on VinCentiments’ Facebook page, which featured Charito Solis (played by Gina Alajar) asking Pepsi Paloma (played by Rhed Bustamante) if Vic Sotto raped her, to which Pepsi replied “Yes.”
Darryl Yap responded to the lawsuit, asserting that his movie was based on documented events and had no intention of defaming anyone.
Currently, the lawsuit is still under review and has not reached a final conclusion.
