"Now I understand Jam's pain, her anger, her wrath and reactions"— Maris Racal reveals reaching out to Jamela Villanueva for forgiveness

Filipino actress and singer Maris Racal (real name Mariestella Cañedo Racal) recently issued an apology over the infidelity controversy surrounding her and Can’t Buy Me Love co-star Anthony Jennings. In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News on Friday, December 6, 2024, the actress apologized and stated she was "taking accountability for everything." She added:

"I want to say sorry to those people I have hurt. Now I understand Jam's (Jennings' ex Jamela Villanueva) pain, her anger, her wrath, and reactions."

For the unversed, on December 3, Villanueva opened up about her recent breakup with Jennings (they split in November 2024 after dating for almost seven years). She took to her Instagram stories to claim her ex cheated on her with Racal, sharing screenshots of text exchanges between the pair.

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Maris Racal claimed Anthony Jennings told her he broke up with Jamela Villanueva

In her apology, a teary Maris Racal confessed her side of the story. Talking for almost ten minutes, the actress apologized for her actions, adding she was going to take accountability for the same.

Racal explained that she began dating Anthony Jennings sometime in June 2024. At the time, the actress was in a dark place, confessing she was lonely and that she got the attention she needed from her co-star. The actress confessed she developed feelings after interacting with Jennings regularly, adding that she regretted that now.

However, she also claimed that she had no idea Jennings was in a relationship with Villanueva, alleging that he made her believe he broke up with his girlfriend.

Citing Maris Racal's interview (in Filipino), Yahoo Entertainment wrote (translated by the publication):

"I’m truly embarrassed because people saw those intimate conversations without my consent. Against my will. I don’t know where I’m gonna go. Whenever I go out, whenever I walk, I feel like I’m a naked woman walking."

Racal continued to address Villanueva, apologizing for hurting her, adding that she understood the latter's anger.

The actress confessed that her actions affected her relationship with ex Rico Blanco (they broke up in July after dating for five years). Maris Racal explained that she came clean to Blanco immediately, and as a result, they split. She described it as a difficult time. Concluding her remarks, she assured her fans she would learn from her mistakes and work hard.

Just hours after Maris Racal's video, Anthony Jennings also issued an apology to both women. Inquirer.net cited a statement by the actor where he is heard saying (translated by the publication):

"I want to apologize to the two women, Maris and Jam, especially after everything that happened and for causing people pain. I want to say sorry to everyone who was involved in this. That’s it. Again, I’m sorry."

According to the article by Yahoo Entertainment, as a result of the controversy, the actress lost at least one major endorsement deal.

Jamela Villanueva has not publicly reacted to either Racal's or Jennings' comments.