Top 10 Controversial Showbiz Personalities of 2009

From WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

The local showbiz scene was abuzz with rumors, scandals and controversies this year. From sex videos to rumored romantic affairs, Wikipilinas has compiled a list of the hottest and the most controversial personalities that caused an uproar in the entertainment industry.

Willie Revillame

Willie Revillame, the host of the popular noontime show Wowowee, faced controversy once more on the August 3, 2009 episode of Wowowee.The TV host demanded that the live-feed inset of President Corazon Aquino's funeral cortege be removed while Wowowee was on the air. His on air outburst irked many, including Movie and Television Review & Classification Board (MTRCB) Chair Consoliza Laguardia. However, ABS-CBN top bosses - including director Johnny Manahan, Bong Osorio and Linggit Tan said that Revillame Willie did not violate the broadcasters' code of ethics. He apologized to the Aquino family through Kris Aquino, another ABS CBN talent and daughter of the late president. Revillame went on a "voluntary indefinite leave" and explained himself publicly.

Hayden Kho

Cosmetic surgeon, model and actor Hayden Kho hit the headlines when his sex videos with various women including actresses Katrina Halili and Maricar Reyes were leaked on the internet. Kho shot to fame after he was linked to celebrity cosmetics doctor, Vicki Belo and he has appeared in a number of television shows. In November, the government decided to revoke his license following the immorality complaints filed against him by Halili. The Board of Medicine said that Kho "violated the right of privacy of Ms. Halili when he videotaped their most intimate moments without the express consent and knowledge of the complainant...he was negligent and careless in the custody and possession of the videotape."

Katrina Halili

The sex video of Katrina Halili with Dr. Hayden Kho spread like wildfire in

May. It also became one of the hottest topics in the Philippine blogosphere. At the height of the scandal the actress did not shy away from the camera. Instead she continued her fight to make Kho pay over so that other women would not suffer the same fate. Halili also filed two counts of libel against Irene Kho, Hayden's mother after she alleged in TV interviews that the actress was addicted to drugs and turned her son into a drug user.

BB Gandanghari

Actor Rustom Padilla surprised everyone when he came home on 15 January after staying for three months in the US. Rustom had taken it to the next level by changing his name into something more attuned to his new life. [[BB Gandanghari]] made her debut at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where she declared that “Rustom is dead.” Her statement shook the local showbiz scene and which made her one of the most controversial showbiz personalities of the year.

Claudine Barretto

Actress and product endorser Claudine Barretto has cut her ties with her former family, ABS-CBN, and moved to GMA-7.Claudine has been with ABS-CBN for 17 years and has starred in popular television dramas which made her a household name. She signed an exclusive two-year contract with GMA-7 last 25 November.Claudine is happy and excited with her line-up of upcoming projects.

Maricar Reyes

Maricar Reyes, a commercial model-turned-TV actress was involved in the

sex video scandal with Dr. Hayden Kho. She made a public appearance when she guested on musical variety show ASAP‘09 during Star Magic’s 17th anniversary celebration. Maricar admitted that she did have a relationship with Dr. Kho but continued to remain mum on the issue.

Annabelle Rama

Artist/talent manager and former actress Annabelle Rama hit the news when she filed a grave slander against the GMA-7 Senior Vice President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante on 15 April. Galvante earlier filed a P7 million suit against Annabelle for allegedly threatening her through text messages and aired interviews.

Krista Ranillo

Young starlet Krista Ranillo, the eldest daughter of actor Mat Ranillo III, is rumored to be involved in a romantic affair with boxing champ Manny Pacquiao. The rumors were heightened when video footage showed Jinkee, Pacquiao's wife, shedding tears while the couple was attending a thanksgiving mass. Reports also suggested that Pacquiao paid for air tickets and hotel accommodation for Ranillo in Las Vegas during his historic fight with Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao denied any romantic involvement with the sexy starlet.

Aljur Abrenica

Aljur Abrenica, product of the local talent search Starstruck, is facing

charges for allegedly touching the private parts of a 15-year-old girl in the resort town of Puerto Galera last summer. The girl claimed that the incidents were witnessed by her sister and a friend. Abrenica in previous interviews denied the allegations and that he knows the girl personally.

John Lloyd Cruz

Reports say that Heartthrob and matinee idol John Lloyd Cruz was romantically involved with actress Ruffa Gutierrez. Ruffa Gutierrez and John Lloyd Cruz starred in the soap I Love Betty La Fea.The rumors continued to gather steam because John Lloyd had just broken up with fashion magazine editor Liz Uy with whom he went steady for more than four years.The young actor, almost 10 years Ruffa’s junior, denied the rumors and claimed that there was nothing romantic between him and Ruffa and if ever they went out it was always in a group.