Following the backlash from the public and Marjorie Barretto's statement revealing that he was not invited to Claudia Barretto's wedding, comedian Gene Padilla's name once again became a topic of conversation on social media.
The issue began with a post made by Gene on April 9, just a day after his niece Claudia’s wedding to Basti Lorenzo. In his Instagram post, Gene expressed his disappointment over witnessing the seemingly cold reception towards his brother Dennis Padilla, the father of the bride.
Photo: Instagram @genepadillaaaa
Gene shared, "Napaluha at napaiyak si kuya sa mga nangyari… kaya sabi ko umuwi na tayo after ng simbahan at papicture na lang sa kinasal… naawa din ako sa nanay ko kasi naiyak na rin… naramdaman ko yung sakit na naramdaman ng kapatid at nanay ko dahil ama din ako…"
(My brother cried because of what happened… so I told him let’s go home after the church and just take a photo with the newlyweds… I also felt for my mother because she cried too… I felt the pain my brother and mother went through because I am also a father.)
Gene also expressed his frustrations about what he saw as an undue focus on wealth and fame within the family, stating, “Yan ba itinanim ng mga nakapaligid sa inyo… puro kayo karangyaan at kasikatan… sa inyo na lahat yan… sanay kami sa hirap at di talaga kami nababagay sa inyo…”
(Is this what the people around you planted… all about luxury and fame… you have it all… we are used to hardship and we really don’t fit in with you…)
Marjorie Barretto, in a vlog interview with Ogie Diaz, swiftly responded to Gene's remarks. She directly stated, “First thing first, no offense, you were not invited to the wedding, si mama (ex-mother-in-law) lang at si Dennis.”
(First thing first, no offense, you were not invited to the wedding, only my mom and Dennis were.)
Marjorie further emphasized that instead of calming Dennis, Gene had exacerbated his emotions, adding, “Imbes na pinahinahon mo ‘yung kapatid (Dennis) mo, finuel mo pa, eh… Ina-agitate mo pa… Hindi ka invited Gene, eh… With all due respect, my daughter has no recollection of you.”
(Instead of calming your brother (Dennis), you fueled him… You agitated him… You were not invited Gene, with all due respect, my daughter has no recollection of you.)
Amidst the controversy and the criticism from netizens, Gene chose not to engage in a fight. Instead, he shared a new message on social media, extending love and peace to those involved: “It’s okay if you say hurtful things. You don’t know me, and I don’t know you — but I still choose to send you love, peace, and prayers for healing.”
Gene’s brother Dennis Padilla also showed his support for him in the comments: “Dear Gene... Wala kang mali... Nagbigay ka lang ng suporta sa akin... Dahil naramdaman mo ako... Salamat.”
(Dear Gene… You did nothing wrong… You just gave me support… Because you felt for me… Thank you.)
Gene Padilla's Biography:
Gene Padilla is a well-known comedian in the Philippine entertainment industry. He is famous for his roles in comedy films and shows. Gene is the son of the late actor Dencio Padilla and the brother of actor Dennis Padilla. While Gene has kept his personal life relatively private, he is widely recognized for his strong support of his family, especially during tough times. His recent social media post demonstrates his loyalty and protective nature towards his brother Dennis during the family’s ongoing controversy.
Gene has also made a name for himself as a dependable family member who stands by his loved ones, particularly during challenging situations, as seen with his support of Dennis in the aftermath of the wedding controversy involving their niece, Claudia.