- The talent agency said it would initiate lawsuit following the actress’ move
- Her lawyer, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, issued a statement in response to this
It was on Monday, January 27, when Nadine Lustre’s lawyer Atty. Lorna Kapunan of Kapunan & Castillo Law Offices, issued a statement that Nadine was no longer a talent of Viva Artists Agency, the talent arm of Viva Entertainment Incorporated.
However, the talent agency opposed this saying Lustre still remains an exclusive artist of the agency and she could not unilaterally withdraw from her contract.
Viva forewarned that any dealings or professional engagement entered into by Lustre without the consent or approval of the former constitutes a breach of contract.
Viva will not hesitate to initiate proper legal actions to anyone who contravenes the managerial contract of Viva.
In response to this, Atty. Kapunan released another statement admonishing the agency for having an “unconscionable, oppressive and illegal contract” with Nadine.
“We welcome any legal action by VIVA so their unconscionable, oppressive and illegal Contract with Nadine (and their other artists) can be litigated in the proper forum.
“It’s about time that a David strikes out a Goliath that has taken advantage of young artists in the industry for the longest time.
“Viva lawyers have not replied to our earlier letters but chose to wait in ambush to malign Nadine and harass Third parties dealing with her in good faith.
“This is wrongful and malicious Contract interference by VIVA actionable in law for damages,” the lawyer said.
Entertainment journalist MJ Felipe posted this as a thread on his Twitter account.
READ: Attorney Lorna Kapunan's reply to the statement of Viva Artists Agency, involving Nadine Lustre:
(1/3) "We welcome any legal action by Viva so their unconscionable, oppressive & illegal Contract with Nadine (and their other artists) can be litigated in the proper forum.
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) January 28, 2020
(2/3) Its about time that a David strikes out a Goliath that has taken advantage of young artists in the industry for the longest time. Viva lawyers have not replied to our earlier letters but chose to wait in ambush to malign Nadine & harass Third parties dealing with her…
— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) January 28, 2020
(3/3)… in good faith. This is wrongfull and malicious Contract interference by Viva actionable in law for damages.
– Attorney Lorna Kapunan
January 28, 2020— MJ Felipe (@mjfelipe) January 28, 2020
Despite quitting the Viva Artists Agency, Lustre still has her exclusive movie contract with Viva Communications, Inc.
The lawyer clarified, “Nadine revoked her Agency and Management Contract with VAA, based on the concept of agency under the Civil Code.
“Her Exclusive Movie Contract, which is not with VAA but with Viva Communications, Inc., still subsists, subject to her right to refuse to make movies.”
Lustre starred in Viva films Never Not Love You (2018) which won her three best actress awards, Diary ng Panget (2014), her launching film, Ulan (2019) and Indak.
She was supposed to be in Viva’s Miracle in Cell No. 7 for the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival. However, the actress declined her role in the film which came out as the MMFF 2019’s highest grossing movie. She was replaced by Bela Padilla.
