Actor Raymart Santiago responded to claims by Estrella “Inday” Barretto, matriarch of the Barretto family, that he allegedly abused his ex-wife Claudine Barretto.
Inday was interviewed by Ogie Diaz on his YouTube channel where she accused Raymart of physically and emotionally hurting Claudine. She claimed that the former couple’s son Santino witnessed the supposed abuse, and that Raymart took the properties initially intended for their children.
Raymart fired back with the aid of legal representatives from Calleja Law in a statement which Ogie posted on his social media accounts.
“It is very unfortunate that Mrs. Barretto opted to resort to publicity to spread this untruthful and slanderous narrative,” Raymart’s statement said, adding that Claudine also “repeatedly exploited social media and sought recourse through trial by publicity” to discredit him.
According to Raymart’s lawyers, Inday’s frustrations stem from the conjugal land Claudine sold three years ago without Raymart’s knowledge. They further stated that Raymart does not want to take part in any dispute or irregularity that Claudine may have committed.
The lawyers reminded the Barrettos about a September 2023 gag order from a Mandaluyong City Family Court which Raymart “faithfully complied with, having kept peace all these years.”
They called on Claudine and her family to do the same out of respect for the rule of law and for the former couple’s children.
“Let this be a final warning that any utterances in contravention of the law shall be dealt with before the appropriate forum to protect our client’s rights and to preserve his interests,” the statement ended.
Claudine and Raymart married in 2006 but filed for annulment in 2013. Santino is their only biological child. Claudine later adopted kids Sabina, Quia, and Noah.