Trigger warning: This article discusses sexual assault.
Rita Daniela has filed an act of lasciviousness complaint against her “Widow’s War” co-star, Archie Alemania, before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Bacoor City on October 30.
In her complaint affidavit, Rita stated that Archie made inappropriate remarks against her and touched her without her consent.
Photo: Rita Daniela | Archie Alemania
“That being a public figure, a contractual artist with reputation to protect, it is very difficult for me to file the instant case but the trauma I was and am experiencing brought about by the incident gave me courage to face the consequences and file the instant case against the respondent,” her complaint read.
Rita said the incident happened during a gathering with the “Widow’s War” cast in September. At that time, Archie, who was intoxicated, allegedly made inappropriate remarks towards her.
According to her lawyer, Atty. Maggie Abraham-Garduque, Rita had already felt uncomfortable at that moment but chose not to confront Archie, assuming his behavior was due to his intoxication.
After the event, Rita was waiting for her ride when Archie offered to take her home. She emphasized that she had initially declined, but after he insisted and she thought he was sober, she agreed.
During the ride, the Kapuso actress stressed that Archie allegedly caressed her shoulder and neck.
“Nagsabi na siya noon na, ‘Kuya huwag, kuya kita,’ (She told him, ‘No, you’re my elder brother) kasi nga Rita is treating Archie as elder brother,” Atty. Abraham-Garduque continued.
When they arrived at her home, Rita alleged that she was about to get out of the vehicle, but Archie “forcefully” grabbed her hand and asked for a kiss. She reiterated that the actor persisted and kissed her without her consent.
Rita also recounted that she struggled repeatedly before she could finally break free from him. She added that as she was exiting the vehicle, Archie grabbed her bag, pulling her back. He then hugged her from behind and touched her inappropriately.
The actress-singer noted that she started crying and used all her strength to break free from his grip and get out of the vehicle.
According to reports, the complaint included a screenshot of Rita’s message to Archie after the incident, expressing that she felt disrespected. Archie responded with an apology, stating that he was drunk.
As of writing, Archie has yet to address the incident.
Rita rose to fame after winning as the Grand Champion in the first season of the reality show “Popstar Kids” in 2005.
She’s known for her roles in “My Special Tatay,” “One of the Baes,” and “Ang Dalawang Ikaw.” The Kapuso actress is currently one of the hosts of “All Out Sundays.” She has one son from a previous relationship.
Archie, on the other hand, is married to Gee Canlas and has two children.
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