# Claudine Barretto legal dispute with Cristy Fermin

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/claudine-barretto-legal-dispute-with-cristy-fermin
> Updated: 2026-11-09T01:30:31.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

Actress Claudine Barretto initiated legal action against showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin and co-host Romel Chika, alleging ongoing defamation and cyberlibel. Barretto’s legal counsel issued a “Final Demand to Cease and Desist” to stop the duo from making what the actress described as “untrue, scandalous, and damaging remarks” on their YouTube program, Showbiz Now Na.

Barretto intended to file a formal complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding claims made about her personal life, including her medical history and mental health. Following the initial legal threats, Barretto officially filed a cyberlibel complaint with the NBI in Pasay City. She stated that the remarks caused significant emotional distress to her and her family, noting she would not reconsider legal action even if an apology were offered.

Cristy Fermin expressed readiness to face the matter in court and suggested potential counter-allegations. On November 9, 2026, Fermin appeared before the NBI Cybercrime Division in response to a subpoena. While she stated she complied with the subpoena out of respect for the agency, Fermin and her counsel decided against submitting a counter-affidavit at that stage, noting their intention to respond once the case reaches prosecutors. NBI Director Melvin Matibag stated that the investigation would be conducted with impartial standards.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: Cristy Fermin summoned by NBI over Claudine Barretto cyber libel complaint

Cristy Fermin appeared before the NBI regarding a cyber libel complaint filed by actress Claudine Barretto over allegedly false and damaging remarks made on a YouTube program.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristy-fermin-summoned-by-nbi-over-claudine-barretto-cyber-libel-complaint

### 2026-10-21: Claudine Barretto files cyberlibel complaint against Cristy Fermin

Actress Claudine Barretto filed a cyberlibel complaint with the NBI against columnist Cristy Fermin and Rommel Chika over allegedly defamatory remarks regarding her personal life and health.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/claudine-barretto-files-cyberlibel-complaint-against-cristy-fermin

### 2026-10-19: Claudine Barretto initiates legal action against Cristy Fermin

Actress Claudine Barretto has issued a cease and desist demand to columnist Cristy Fermin and Romel Chika, threatening cyberlibel charges over alleged defamatory statements made on their YouTube show.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/claudine-barretto-initiates-legal-action-against-cristy-fermin

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Cite as: Claudine Barretto legal dispute with Cristy Fermin. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/claudine-barretto-legal-dispute-with-cristy-fermin