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Julia Barretto is now a member of the Viva Artists Agency!

She was formally introduced as a Viva artist in a digital media conference held last Wednesday, September 30. Julia was present at the Viva main office in Pasig City to speak to the press online.

During the digital conference, Julia was asked what was going through her mind after filing a complaint against former broadcaster Jay Sonza at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), after the broadcaster falsely announced that the actress was pregnant.

"I just felt like it was about time na to make an action to try and stop it," she told the press after saying she had been a victim of countless false news.

"It really bothers me when I stumble upon fake news or false information or napapabalita ang mga bagay na wala kumpirmasyon, walang confirmation, walang katotohanan," she added. "Everything we read, as much as possible, 'yong totoo."

Julia went on, saying that her complaint is not just for herself, but for the protection of everybody who just wants to know the truth, especially from people like Sonza, who she says his style of writing was "napakabastos."

"If you're to confirm something like that, it's not suppose to come from you, it's always supposed to come from the people who are involved, somebody close to me, from a family member, from a friend," she said. 

"Eh, 'yong gumawa po ng article, wala naman pong effort to get in contact with me and ask for the truth. Walang ganoon, eh. He just confirmed it with no basis," she added. "So, I think I just had enough and I'm putting my foot down and showing people that enough is enough and I can't tolerate fake news, especially revolving me or my family or anyone close to me."

When asked about her thoughts after filing the case, Julia said she was proud of herself for finally standing up against peddlers of false information.

"For the first time, I stood up for myself. For the first time, I defended myself, and for the first time, I protected myself," she said. "It's the first time I finally put an action to do that for myself."

"As much as it's important to protect your loved ones, it's also important to protect yourself," she added. "Ang dami ko na rin kasing pinagdaanan so gusto ko na rin pahalagahan din ang sarili ko."

It could be recalled that Sonza, in a now-deleted Facebook post, claimed Julia was impregnated by actor Gerald Anderson during the period of lockdown.

“Napatunayan nina Visoy (visayan tisoy) Gerald Anderson at anak nina Dennis Padilla at Marjorie na si Julia Barretto na kapuwa hindi sila baog,” Sonza said.

“After months of love lockdown and ESQ (exact sex quadrant) - may nabuo sa sinapupunan ni Julia. Nahinayak ang batang Dadiangas. nasiyot man jud oi. kapugngan pay tren, dili ang gugmang gauros uros tawon. Happy Monday po. Makikibalita ako kung kailan ang kasal sa aking neighbor,” he added.

After Sonza's claim went viral, Julia broke her silence, posting a photo flaunting her well-toned abs with the caption "FAKE NEWS" accompanied by a smiling emoji.

Fans also defended the actress by trending "LEAVE JULIA BARRETTO ALONE" and denying the rumors, saying she was busy with shoots and endorsements. They also slammed Sonza for spreading false news.

Sonza, then, took back his announcement days the next day, saying he was only expressing happiness that someone announced her pregnancy.

"Kung ganoon po, binabawi ko ang aking masayang pagbati," the former broadcaster said. "Happy & excited kasi ako kapag may nabibiyayan ng Buhay.  Pasensiya na kung napaaga ang aking Congratulations. Itatabi ko na lang muna iyong regalo ko sa kanila."

By Friday, September 25, Julia, accompanied by her mother Marjorie, filed a cyber libel complaint against Sonza.

“I am pursuing this case because the statements made by Mr. Sonza are untrue and irresponsible. The widespread reposting of the news based on his post caused distress to me and my family. I don't want to take this matter lightly. Mr. Sonza, and all those who publish these reckless and baseless posts, must be held accountable for their actions so that they think twice before claiming things as fact,” Julia's full statement on the complaint said.

Watch Julia's full media conference for the Viva Artists Agency below!