Marjorie Barretto has come forward to set the record straight regarding the tension surrounding her daughter Claudia Barretto’s wedding, after ex-husband Dennis Padilla expressed frustration about being excluded from the event.
In an emotional two-part interview with talent manager and host Ogie Diaz on April 11, Marjorie provided insights into the strained relationship between Dennis and their children, shedding light on the reasons behind his absence from the wedding.
The controversy erupted after Dennis publicly complained about not being included in Claudia’s wedding entourage, which took place on April 8. He claimed that Claudia was upset with the arrangement and expressed feelings of being left out. However, Marjorie clarified that the estrangement between Dennis and their children wasn’t a result of her influence but rather due to years of negative behavior on his part.
“Kapag sinusundo niya ang mga anak ko, he would tell them, ‘Paglaki niyo, I will tell you what your mom did to me.’ But my children are protective of me,” Marjorie shared, emphasizing that her children have always stood by her side. She revealed that Dennis had, over the years, continuously aired grievances about her in public, which contributed to the tension and eventual estrangement between him and their children.
For Marjorie, it’s not about excluding Dennis from special occasions but about the difficult realities her children faced growing up with an unstable relationship between their parents. “Dennis and my other children have been estranged for many, many years. For the past 10 years, wala nang ginawa si Dennis kundi magpainterview nang magpainterview,” Marjorie said, reflecting on the long-standing issues that had built up over time.
In addition, Marjorie addressed the persistent rumors that she had “brainwashed” their children against their father. “My children are protective of me,” she said, refuting the claim. “Dennis, huwag mo ‘tong idedeny ever kasi ang lagi mong sinasabi tuwing sinusundo ang mga anak ko, ‘Paglaki niyo, I will tell you what your mom did to me.'”
Her decision to speak out also comes after Dennis’s repeated public appearances, in which he continued to express dissatisfaction over his relationship with their children. Marjorie pointed out that the ongoing public airing of grievances only further strained the bond between them. “Kung kakausapin nila ang tatay nila at sisigawan at mumurahin ako sa telepono, nanginginig ang mga bata. My kids’ trigger is their father. His voice alone, nanginginig sila,” she said.
Despite the ongoing tension, Marjorie made it clear that she holds no ill will toward Dennis and only wants peace for her family. She explained that she was the one who raised their children as a single mother for many years and has always been their primary source of support.
“I was seated at the front row, where the mother and the father of the bride should be, and I will not say sorry for that. I raised my child single-handedly, Dennis,” she asserted.
While Dennis Padilla has yet to respond to her statements, it is clear that the story is far more complicated than the public drama that has played out in the media.
