The nature of Elias Lintucan’s relationship, also known as Elias J TV, and his manager Beverly Labadlabad has been a hot topic on social media for weeks now, ever since “sweet” photos of them surfaced.

 

It has gotten diverse reactions from social media users, with comments such as “May meaning ang closeness nila” and “Parang may karapatang magselos ang asawa ni Elias.”

As allegations spread like wildfire, the popular influencer and performer had to clarify the true score between him and his manager on social media, claiming “it’s just work.”

Elias J. TV and talent manager Beverly Labadlabad

However, even after the social media star from Mindanao clarified it, the speculations and criticisms remain, with the manager now being subjected to alleged “online bullying.”

Labadlabad has formally responded to all of the claims and issues on Wednesday at the Century Park Hotel Manila, accompanied by her lawyers, led by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio and Atty. Ivan Patrick Ang.

Asked if she had an intimate relationship with her talent, the manager and businesswoman told ABS-CBN News, “Bilang manager po, bilang magkatrabaho, tinanggap ko talaga siya bilang kapatid. ‘Yun ang turing ko sa kanya. Kasi, once na kayo ay magkatrabaho, kailangan talaga na mayroon kayong communication. So, bilang kapatid, yes.”

The talent manager then strengthened her stance, claiming she is not a “mang-aagaw” (mistress).

“‘Yung mga kontrobersiya, hindi po ‘yun totoo. May asawa po ako. ‘Yung lahat ng mga trending ngayon (involving her), [ang masasabi ko ay] hindi po mang-aagaw si Ms. Beverly. So, ‘yun na po ‘yun,” she clarified.

Labadlabad, who has several businesses, also responded to netizens’ claims that her talent’s wife, Abegail Cariquitan, has been jealous of her after the release of the photos.

She shared with ABS-CBN News, “May (month) pa lang, nalaman ko na na nag-start na pala magselos. Nag-message ako sa partner ni Elias. Sabi ko, ‘Baka mayroon kang time, then we can sit down together.’ Kung ano man ‘yung mga usap-usapan, upuan natin. So, ‘yun.”

The manager continued, “Nagkita kami sa Cebu. Sinabihan ko siya na trabaho lang talaga. May asawa po ako. Pinaliwanag ko sa puso niya. Pero hindi ko inasahan na mas lumala pala.”

Claiming that her talent’s wife continues to be jealous of her, Labadlabad mentioned, “Kahit picture lang, selos pa rin nang selos,” she alleged.

“So hindi ko talaga mako-control ‘yun. Lalo na sa time, sa schedule namin. Kaya siguro nag-viral,” she pointed out.

She added, “Sabi ko naman na huwag pakialaman ‘yung management. Kasi naka-focus talaga ako roon sa banda. Not only Elias ‘yung hawak ko, buong banda po. So, as a first time manager, hindi talaga mabilis mag-manage.”

Beverly Labadlabad with her lawyers Ferdinand Topacio, Raphael Andrada, Ivan Patrick Ang, and Ernst Salaveria. Josh Mercado 

The manager, who also has her own Facebook page with 458,000 followers, also told ABS-CBN News when she last spoke with her talent’s wife.

“Nakausap ko siya noong first week ng July bago pumutok ‘yung issue. Pero noong July 28, pumunta siya sa office. Tinawag ko kasi si Elias na kung ano man ‘yung problema natin, puwede natin upuan. So, pumunta rin doon si Abegail. So, gusto ko sana siyang kausapin noon. Kinausap ko ‘yung lawyer niya na andito na siya sa office ko, eh. Dito na sa meeting room. Sabi ko, pwede ba papasukin siya rito sa office room ko. Puwede ko siyang kausapin. So, sana, ang sa akin naman, kung ano mang problema, kailangan talagang upuan natin. Huwag nang mas lumala pa. So, hindi natin na-please. Hindi naman lahat ng tao ay mapi-please natin. So, ‘yun, hindi kami nagkausap,” she said.

For the record, Elias J. TV, who has 6.6 million Facebook followers and 2.1 million TikTok followers, has inked a 5-year contract with Labadlabad.

The internet sensation has captivated social media with his humorous skits, real-life home videos, and viral dancing vids.

According to the manager, she was able to get projects for her talent, which totaled “more than 5 million,” including the “car” purchase.

Finally, Labadlabad emphasized that she hopes for reconciliation and that everything may be handled via a genuine talk. She also stated that managing talent is a more tough job than her corporate world.