Darryl Yap’s Controversial Movie ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’ February 5 Cinema Screening Postponed

Daryl Yap confirmed through his Facebook post that his film “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma” won’t be premiered in cinemas on the target date, Feb. 5. In his post, he said that his team is “unable to immediately complete the documents required by the MTRCB.“ However, he told his followers they are “considering the possibility of premiering it abroad“ and delayed theatrical release. He added they are considering focusing on streaming platforms.  

Challenges of Premiering ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma’

Since the release of “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma“ trailer on Jan. 21, the movie has received criticism. Aside from showing the movie’s cast, the trailer features excerpts from Paloma’s mother, Lydia Duena Whitley, and brother, Zaldy, expressing their emotion over the unfortunate fate of their eldest child and sister, Delia Dueñas Smith — Pepsi’s real name. Before releasing the trailer, Yap was already dealing with a legal battle with Vic Sotto.

Sotto filed 19 counts of cyber libel against Yap after a teaser showing the character of Paloma, portrayed by former child actress Rhed Bustamante, angrily affirmed the person who raped her to the character of late actress Charito Solis, played by Gina Alajar. Vic Sotto’s name has been mentioned clearly here.

Pepsi’s case has been controversial due to the series of events. According to Daily Tribune, the actress filed an Affidavit of Desistance to the rape case she filed. Although Yap got Pepsi’s family story, former colleague friend of Paloma, Coca Nicolas (real name Johnalee Hickins), told the seasoned broadcast journalist Julius Babao that the rape allegation was a PR stunt orchestrated by their former manager, Rey dela Cruz.

Babao had a chance to interview other soft drink beauties, discussing what happened to a former colleague and how they started their careers. In the interview, they mentioned they had already noticed signs of depression and insecurities Pepsi showed. When Babao asked Sarsi Emmanuelle, Coca Nicolas, and Myra Manibog if they believed the rape allegation to TVJ, they said they insisted they knew the truth and it was baseless. Sarsi also pointed out Charito Solis’ involvement in the story. They said Charito and Pepsi only met or worked once, but no close bond has been established.   

Darryl Yap Clapped Back to Soft Drink Beauties

Darryl Yap reacted to Babao’s interview with Soft Drink Beauties. He called out Sarsi’s claim that Pepsi was so insecure.

Court Decision

Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205 presiding judge Liezel Aquiatan partially granted Sotto’s petition. In a 20-page decision, Yap was ordered to remove the movie’s teaser video from all online platforms. In previous reports, veteran actor Sotto said he was not consulted about the film. He only learned about it through his wife and friends, but Yap’s camp claims otherwise.

Yap’s legal counsel Atty. Raymond Fortuno said his client sent Vic Sotto a copy of his film’s script before the teaser’s release.