Controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap has spoken out against critics of his upcoming movie, ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’, accusing them of spreading misinformation and passing judgment on the project without seeing it.
Yap took to Facebook to address the backlash surrounding the film, which has been a hot topic due to its sensitive subject matter.
The film, starring Rhed Bustamante and a cast of seasoned actors, aims to revisit the life and untimely death of Pepsi Paloma, a 1980s teen star whose tragic story remains shrouded in controversy.
In his social media post, Yap criticized individuals who have voiced opposition to the film, including those claiming to be close to Paloma. “Matatalino ang mga Pilipino. Bukod sa alam naman nila ang totoo. Nagbabasa rin sila at nagsasaliksik,” Yap began.
He called out certain journalists and commentators who he claims are using the film as an opportunity for sensationalism. “Nakakatuwang isipin na ang mga mamamahayag na dapat ay tagapagtaguyod ng katotohanan ay nagpapakabakya para subukang pahinain ang unos na dala ng papalapit na pelikula,” Yap wrote.
Yap also mocked the actions of his detractors, describing them as “Himbis mainis, napapangiti ako tuwing may bagong pakulo, pautot at interbyu mula sa mga kung sinu-sino ang ilang gustong makisawsaw.”
“Iniimagine ko na lang ang itsura nila pagkatapos mapanood ang pelikula— para silang naghukay ng balon sa tabi ng gripo. Masyadong pinalalim ang madaling abutin.”
The director emphasized that The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma is rooted in verified sources and long-documented narratives. “Ang Munti naming Pelikulang #TROPP #TROPP2025 The Rapists of #PepsiPaloma ay paglalahad ng kwento ng katotohanan mula sa Pamilya ni Pepsi,” Yap clarified. “Pamilyang hindi naman hiningan ng panig, pinagbintangan ng kung anu-ano at hanggang ngayon ay tinatanggalan ng karapatang magkwento.”
Unlike previous accounts, Yap said the movie will tell Paloma’s story from the perspective of her family. “Ang Pelikula ay hango sa mga published articles, news at matagal nang nakalutang na mga sources na madaling hanapin sa internet—hindi na kailangang magresearch o magpakaimbestigador. Hindi nawala sa sirkulasyon ang usaping ito. Taun-taon, nadadagdagan,” he explained.
Yap also highlighted the challenges faced by Paloma’s family over the years, saying, “Ang kaibahan lang ng aming Pelikula ay Ngayon, matapos ang 40 taon— makikilala natin si Pepsi sa Punto De Vista ng kanyang Ina— at ng kapatid nyang kasama niya mismo sa bahay bago sya pumanaw.”
Yap did not hold back in criticizing individuals who have commented on the film without firsthand knowledge of its content. “Panoorin nyo rin ang mga naglipanang interbyu ngayon—mga nagsasabing kaibigan pero walang ibang sinabi kundi paninira—at mga taong walang direktang kaalaman, gusto lang makibirit sa ingay,” he said.
The filmmaker accused some personalities of capitalizing on the controversy surrounding the movie for their own gain.
Despite the criticism, Yap remains confident in the value of his project. “Maraming Salamat po sa pagpapahalaga sa Pelikulang wala pa man ay pilit nang hinuhubaran ng iilan,” he said.
The director also pointed out that the film’s content draws heavily from available records and will not introduce fabricated details.
Set for release in 2025, The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma has sparked widespread debate. Some view the project as a much-needed exploration of an unresolved story, while others accuse it of exploiting a sensitive and polarizing issue.
Pepsi Paloma’s life and death have long been a source of speculation and public intrigue. Allegations of sexual assault involving prominent personalities and her mysterious death at age 17 have fueled conspiracy theories for decades.
As anticipation for the film builds, ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’ is expected to reignite discussions about the ethics of revisiting controversial historical narratives and the responsibilities of filmmakers in handling such delicate topics.
