Maine Mendoza urges fans not to hate Alden after confession
Metro Manila, Philippines - Actress and TV host Maine Mendoza appealed to fans Tuesday to stop directing negativity toward her former onscreen partner Alden Richards, following her revelation that she once confessed her feelings to him at the height of their “AlDub” loveteam.
In a lengthy social media post, Mendoza clarified that her comments on a podcast episode were not meant to trigger controversy or criticism against Richards, but to revisit behind-the-scenes moments from the hit “Kalyeserye” segment of Eat Bulaga.
“I didn’t think the part about my story with Alden would spark controversy, let alone be a big deal, considering that everyone had already moved on from Kalyeserye and AlDub,” Mendoza wrote.
“That said, there was no intention to provoke criticism or negativity towards him or anyone else. I was asked, I answered, and I shared a short anecdote,” she said/
The actress said her podcast aimed to reflect on untold stories from the cultural phenomenon that defined Philippine television in 2015. While she admitted that she developed real feelings for Richards at the time, Mendoza said all is well between them and their former co-hosts.
“Please don’t throw hate on Alden,” she added. “Regardless of what he meant by his words, it was really for the best for both of us and our situation at that time. Don’t read too much into it.”
In the podcast, Mendoza recalled being upfront about her emotions and even asked Richards directly about his feelings. Richards, she said, chose not to answer, explaining that revealing the truth could take away the “magic” of their tandem.
Mendoza and Richards rose to fame as “AlDub,” a loveteam that captivated millions with their chemistry on “Kalyeserye.” Their popularity culminated in the record-breaking “Tamang Panahon” event at the Philippine Arena in 2015, which drew more than 55,000 fans.
Now married to actor-politician Arjo Atayde, Mendoza said she hopes supporters can finally let go of animosity and avoid pitting her against Richards.
“All is well among the dabarkads. We’ve all moved on, and the past remains there,” she said.
“Ten years on, we are all living the lives we chose, and I hope we can keep moving forward without nurturing hate - because what’s the point?,” she added.