Sandro Muhlach files cyber libel lawsuit against Internet users

The actor's grandfather, Alexander Muhlach, appeals to the public: “Sandro needs our compassion and support on his road to recovery.”

MANILA, Philippines – Actor Sandro Muhlach filed a cyber libel complaint against several netizens with the Cybercrime Division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday, August 30.

According to a report by GMA News, the Sparkle artist filed a complaint against three anonymous accounts on X (formerly Twitter). The complaint included over a hundred defamatory posts about his alleged sexual abuse by GMA's independent contractors Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz.

Sandro's grandfather, Alexander Muhlach, also released a statement asking the public for sympathy as online scrutiny had affected the actor's mental health.

“The online harassment and bullying he has been subjected to only worsens his condition. Sandro needs our compassion and support on his road to recovery. We thank you for your understanding and respect for his journey to healing,” he said, according to GMA News.

In late July, reports emerged about a young actor who was allegedly sexually abused by two people described as “GMA executives.”

On August 1, GMA Network released a statement confirming that it had “received a formal complaint from Sparkle artist Sandro Muhlach against two independent contractors of GMA, Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz.”

The network said it would “keep all details of the official investigation private” to honor Muhlach's request for confidentiality. GMA announced it had launched an investigation into the matter.

On August 2, Muhlach Sandro filed a sexual harassment complaint against Nones and Cruz with the National Bureau of Investigation.

On August 19, Sandro filed a complaint with the Department of Justice for rape by sexual assault against Nones and Cruz.

During the August 27 hearing, the 23-year-old actor also admitted that he was allegedly forced by Nones and Cruz to consume illegal drugs before being sexually assaulted. Nones has repeatedly denied the allegations. – Rappler.com