Jessy Mendiola Faces the Storm: The Fake News, Lingering Controversies, and the Digital Footprint She Wishes Could Disappear
Manila, Philippines — Jessy Mendiola, one of the most recognizable faces in Philippine showbiz, has remained largely composed and private throughout her career. Known for her classic beauty, grace under pressure, and a relatively low-key presence despite being married to actor-host Luis Manzano, she has typically avoided full-blown controversies. But behind that calm surface is a woman who has endured relentless online scrutiny, misleading headlines, and years of rumors — many of which she now wants erased from the ever-unforgiving landscape of the internet.
In a recent candid interview for a digital podcast titled “Unfiltered”, Jessy broke her silence on the toll of fake news, the damaging effects of online bullying, and the constant battle of having to defend her truth against anonymous accusations and old stories that never seem to die.
“The internet doesn’t forget. But sometimes, it forgets to be kind,” she said, her voice steady but firm.
THE DIGITAL BAGGAGE SHE NEVER ASKED FOR
Since her rise to fame as a young actress in ABS-CBN’s Maria Mercedes remake in 2013, Jessy Mendiola has been in the public eye. But while her career achievements are commendable, her name has frequently trended for reasons beyond her control — from relationship controversies, body shaming, to false reports about feuds and supposed rivalries.
Perhaps one of the most damaging misconceptions was the persistent rumor that she was the cause of Luis Manzano’s split from Angel Locsin. Despite both Jessy and Luis addressing the timeline of their relationship publicly — stating that they became official only after Luis and Angel had ended things — some segments of the online world refused to accept it.
“There were articles and tweets that painted me as the villain, even when there was no truth to it. I became the ‘other woman’ in a story that wasn’t even mine,” Jessy explained.
FAKE NEWS AND MALICIOUS POSTS
Jessy revealed that she has been the target of doctored photos, fake quotes, and even made-up screenshots allegedly showing her badmouthing other celebrities.
“I would get messages from strangers attacking me based on something they read in a fake article. Sometimes, they even believed I said things I never actually said.”
The actress shared that one of the most painful experiences was reading a blog post that falsely claimed she had insulted another actress’s child — a post that was entirely fabricated but widely shared.
“I remember crying alone, not because I was guilty, but because I was helpless. I didn’t even know where it came from.”
THE STRUGGLE TO ‘DELETE’ THE PAST
As the internet evolved, so did its permanence. For Jessy, the most frustrating part has been how old and false stories keep resurfacing, especially every time she makes a public appearance or trends for a new project.
“You think a story has died, then suddenly it’s shared again with no context, and you’re back at square one,” she said.
Despite reaching out to certain websites to correct misleading headlines or delete old speculative articles, she says only a few responded.
“Some of them even said it was ‘already in the public domain’ and they had no obligation to take it down. But it’s my name. It’s my life.”
THE TOLL ON HER MENTAL HEALTH
Behind the smiles and curated Instagram posts, Jessy admits there were moments when the pressure became too much.
“There was a time I dreaded opening my phone,” she said. “Even if I posted something positive, like a family photo or a message of encouragement, someone would find a way to twist it.”
She revealed that she underwent therapy to deal with anxiety brought on by online harassment, and that her husband Luis played a huge role in keeping her grounded.
“He always reminded me that truth doesn’t need to shout — but sometimes, it’s okay to speak up too.”
MOTHERHOOD AND REDEFINING HER PURPOSE
Since becoming a mother to their daughter, Isabella Rose, Jessy says her priorities have shifted. The noise of the internet no longer carries the same weight it once did.
“Now I ask myself — would I want my daughter to see these things online about me and believe them? That question changed everything.”
Rather than run from the rumors, Jessy is now taking control of the narrative. She plans to launch a small digital series titled “Real Jessy” — an unfiltered look at her life as a wife, mother, and woman navigating fame, judgment, and growth.
“It’s not a clapback. It’s not drama. It’s just me, finally telling my story without distortion.”
A CALL FOR DIGITAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Jessy also expressed her hope that the Philippines can adopt stronger regulations on digital defamation and fake news.
“I know being a public figure comes with criticism. But that doesn’t mean people can just fabricate stories. There should be consequences,” she said.
She emphasized the need for digital literacy, especially among younger users who often believe everything they read without verifying sources.
“It’s time we teach people to read with discernment. To scroll with empathy.”
FANS STAND BY HER
Despite the hate she’s received online, Jessy remains grateful to fans who have stood by her and defended her against fake news and bashing.
“You don’t know how much strength I draw from your messages. The quiet support, the thoughtful comments — they matter more than you know.”
CONCLUSION: THE STORY IS STILL HERS TO WRITE
Jessy Mendiola’s journey through false accusations, unwanted labels, and internet toxicity is a reflection of the darker side of celebrity culture in the digital age. But in choosing to speak out now — not in anger, but in truth — she reminds everyone that public figures are human too.
Her message to her critics was simple, but powerful:
“I’m still here. Still standing. Still choosing peace over pettiness. And that’s more than any fake headline can take away.”
And for a generation that’s grown tired of online chaos, maybe that’s exactly the kind of quiet strength we all need to see.
