Marjorie Barretto defends kids from Dennis Padilla, claims actor was physically abusive

The Barretto-Padilla family feud takes another turn as Marjorie Barretto breaks her silence in a candid interview. Speaking with Ogie Diaz, Marjorie addressed recent statements made by Dennis Padilla, particularly regarding his experience at their daughter Claudia's wedding, and offered her side of the story.

Marjorie claims the ongoing issues stem from Dennis Padilla's actions over the years, asserting that his priority is not reconciliation with Julia, Claudia, and Leon, but rather seeking public attention. This development follows Claudia Barretto’s recent wedding, which became a focal point for the family's strained dynamics.

In the tell-all interview aired on Friday, April 11, Marjorie, a former actress and politician, explained the estrangement between Dennis and their children. She stated that Dennis's consistent choice to discuss private family matters publicly is the core issue, causing pain and public scrutiny for Julia, Claudia, and Leon each time he speaks out.

Marjorie revealed her attempts to mediate, sharing she has asked mutual friends to urge Dennis to refrain from public interviews, believing it hinders any chance of reconciliation. Furthermore, she countered accusations of influencing her children against Dennis, suggesting the opposite has been the case.

Going back to the early years, Marjorie recounted that even before their separation 18 years ago, Dennis allegedly used visitation times to speak negatively about her to their children. She claims Dennis would tell them, "When you grow up, I will tell you what your mom did to me." Marjorie further claimed that Dennis never pursued joint custody and that she has been solely responsible for their children's financial needs since their separation.

In a startling revelation, Marjorie addressed rumors of Dennis's temper by stating it extended to physical abuse during their marriage. "He was physically abusive," she declared, breaking her 18-year silence on the matter. She recounted a specific incident where Dennis allegedly slapped her so forcefully when Julia was an infant that it resulted in a long-term injury requiring reconstructive ear surgery years later.

Marjorie further explained that Dennis's public airing of grievances, particularly after Julia entered show business, allegedly began to negatively impact their children's careers. She suggested that Julia specifically faced professional repercussions, including the loss of endorsement deals, due to Dennis's public statements.

Describing the emotional toll on her children, Marjorie stated Dennis's presence and actions became a significant source of anxiety, to the point where his voice alone could cause them to tremble. She revealed that the children underwent years of therapy to cope with the emotional distress, and that Dennis's continued public pronouncements would undo their healing progress, resurfacing past trauma.

Reaffirming her earlier point, Marjorie reiterated her belief that Dennis's primary motivation is not genuine connection with his children, but rather a craving for attention. She also accused him of exaggerating claims, leading to public criticism and negativity directed towards Julia, Claudia, and Leon.

Turning to Claudia's wedding, Marjorie highlighted that Claudia is reportedly the most estranged from Dennis. She shared that Claudia initially desired a private wedding, even keeping her engagement quiet. While Claudia was hesitant to even invite Dennis, Marjorie stated she persuaded her daughter to extend an invitation, leading to some disagreements. Claudia eventually agreed, but on the condition that Dennis would not walk her down the aisle.

Marjorie defended Claudia's decision, questioning the traditional significance of a father walking the bride down the aisle. She argued it symbolizes a father who has been a constant presence and provider, roles she believes Dennis did not fulfill in Claudia's life. Marjorie clarified she herself did not walk Claudia down the aisle to avoid potential disruptions from Dennis, citing concerns about his temper.

Marjorie disclosed that Claudia had set two clear conditions for Dennis's attendance: privacy regarding wedding details and her decision to walk alone. A dinner on March 18th served as an opportunity for Claudia to communicate these boundaries to Dennis directly. Marjorie claimed Dennis agreed to both requests, implying non-compliance would have resulted in disinvitation. Following this meeting, Marjorie noted her children were optimistic, hoping it marked a turning point in their healing process.

Recounting Dennis's demeanor at the wedding, Marjorie described his initial appearance as "arrogant." She refuted Dennis's claims of being ignored by the Barretto family, presenting photographic evidence of him being "warmly greeted," including a picture of Leon with his arm around Dennis.

Addressing the seating controversy, Marjorie clarified that Dennis's complaint of being placed at the back was inaccurate. She stated he was initially assigned a front-row seat but chose to sit at the back himself. She also noted Dennis was accompanied by an assistant who was allegedly documenting the event through photos and videos.

Marjorie confirmed Claudia walked down the aisle solo, with Marjorie only meeting her halfway to lift her veil. Justifying her front-row seat, Marjorie asserted she deserved it, having single-handedly raised and supported Claudia. "I raised her," she emphasized, highlighting her sole role in Claudia's upbringing.

Continuing in the second part of the interview, Marjorie revealed Dennis allegedly violated Claudia's request for privacy by posting on social media even before the wedding reception began. She further disputed claims made by Dennis, including the account of him and the wedding coordinator crying together over seating, and his mother's alleged tears about him not walking Claudia down the aisle.

Marjorie also mentioned Dennis's persistent attempts to contact Claudia, including repeated calls on the wedding night and early the next morning. She added that he also tried to reach Julia and Leon, who chose not to answer, anticipating his potential anger and wishing to enjoy the wedding festivities.

Claudia Barretto and Basti Lorenzo celebrated their wedding on April 8th. Two days later, Dennis Padilla gave his own interview with Ogie Diaz, where he declared his relationship with Claudia and her siblings "finished," marking a seemingly definitive turn in this ongoing family saga.