Kapuso star Ahron Villena has sparked significant online conversation after accusing a film director of exploiting him during his early career.
The allegations surfaced on August 25, coinciding with heightened discussions about sexual harassment in the entertainment industry, especially following revelations made by actor Sandro Muhlach.
In a Facebook post, Villena expressed frustration over comments made by the director regarding sexual harassment in show business. Villena described feeling exploited during a past film cameo, where he alleged the director took advantage of him and dismissed a production assistant who was assisting him.
“Sorry napapost na ako kasi parang my mali sa mga sinabi eh. Parang dapat maging proud ka pa pala!” Villena wrote, reflecting his discontent. He recounted an incident where the director allegedly interfered with his work, dismissing the assistant and asserting that he, the director, should handle the task.
“Tandang tanda ko ung kelangan ko magplaster sa eksena, cameo role lang ako [may] tumutulong na sakin sa production pero pumasok ka sa CR at pinaalis mo sya. Ang sabi mo pa, ‘Dapat hindi ka nagpapalagay sa kanila ako na dapat maglalagay niyan,’” Villena stated, detailing his discomfort and sense of exploitation.
Villena’s comments are in line with previous statements he made during a March 2024 interview on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,’ where he discussed feeling “commodified” early in his career. At that time, he refrained from naming his abuser out of respect.
Although Villena did not name the director in his latest post, his remarks follow an interview with actor-director Joel Lamangan, who addressed the long-standing issue of sexual abuse in the industry. Lamangan noted that such abuses have been prevalent but often remain unreported.
Villena also shared how he felt unable to refuse the director’s advances due to his early career status and financial needs. “Wala namang problema sakin pero ilang beses mong tinatamaan at dinidikit ung kamay mo. Irerespeto kita bilang tao at direktor kasi magaling ka pero dahil baguhan pa lang ako noon oo lang ako [nang] oo kasi kelangan ko din kumita ng pera,” he said.
Villena concluded his post by asking the director to stay silent about the issue, acknowledging his continued respect despite the exploitation he experienced. “Hindi kita pinangalanan kasi [may] respeto pa rin ako sayo. Kahit mga staff nagtatanong sakin, hindi ako nagsalita. Kaya sana tahimik kana lang din. Kahit noon or ngayon, never naman magiging tama [‘yung] gawaing ganun,” Villena wrote.
