Ai-Ai, Kuya Kim, other celebs speak up for Alden Richards amid controversy

Several celebrities have come to Alden Richards' defense as rumors and allegations portraying him in a bad light circulated on social media. 

The controversy began after social media personality Christian Albert Gaza, aka Xian Gaza, accused Richards of failing to return a condominium unit and luxury items allegedly lent to the actor by a couple.

Ai-Ai delas Alas, Betong Sumaya, Jerald Napoles, Michael Bristol, Julia Clarete, and Kim Atienza are some of Richards' friends who have spoken up for him. 

Some of the most heartfelt messages came from celebrities who recalled how Alden extended financial assistance and other forms of support when they needed it most. 

Sumaya, for instance, shared how Alden helped him financially when his brother, Allan, became ill. “Ilang beses na niya akong tinulungan pati ang pamilya ko,” Betong said. “Tulong na 'di mo inaasahan pero nandyan siya.”

Betong also recalled how Alden supported his live-selling business during the pandemic by purchasing all his merchandise, even though he was under no obligation to do so.

“Hinding-hindi namin makalilimutan itong kabaitan mo,” Betong added.

He also urged the public to stop targeting the actor, ending his message with a pointed remark directed at his critics: “You better shut your badbreath mouth.”

Delas Alas likewise spoke about Alden’s generosity, referring to him by his nickname, David. She described him as kind, generous, and attentive to the needs of the people around him, particularly his friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry.

“Napaka-harot, generous, mabait, sensitive sa mga pangangailangan ng mga kasama niya sa industriya, lalo na sa mga kaibigan niya,” she wrote.

The actress and comedian also revealed that Richards preferred to keep his good deeds private. She recalled how he once visited her restaurant and suggested having it renovated. 

Although she initially explained that the establishment was still relatively new, an architect was already involved in the project the following day. “Nakakaloka yan sobrang mag surprise pero ayaw nya yang sinasabi, secret lang namin parati. So ngayon hindi na."

Atienza also shared a story of Richards' generosity on X. The TV personality recalled that the actor donated ₱1 million to a fundraising effort for his friend Ed Kalaw, who was battling terminal cancer.

“Alden donated 1M selflessly with no need for acknowledgement,” Atienza said. “Just putting it out there.”

Beyond recounting specific acts of generosity, other celebrities emphasized their personal impressions of Richards and called for a more measured response to the controversy.

Napoles shared a photo of himself embracing Richards on Facebook, and wrote a reflection on kindness and the intentions behind people’s actions.

“Not every act of kindness is seen by the world. Not every good deed is remembered by people. And not every heart is understood by those who judge it,” he wrote.

“But God sees what others don’t. He knows the intentions behind every action, the kindness given in silence, and the truth that no one else can fully see,” he added.

The comedian actor concluded his message by encouraging people to choose understanding instead of rushing to judgment.

“May we always choose grace over judgment, and truth over noise.”

Former “Eat Bulaga!” host and actress Julia Clarete likewise expressed confidence in Alden. “Matinong tao si Alden Richards. Oo, mabait siya. Pero ang ipinaglalaban ko dito ay ang pagkakakilala ko sa kanya na MATINO rin siyang tao. 

"May gusto lang mag-pasikat at yung mga gusto 'ring magpakalat ng pekeng balita para kumita sa mga page nila. I stand with you, Alden.”

Actor and host Michael Bristol, meanwhile, pointed to Alden’s business ventures and career achievements as he questioned the claims circulating online.

“Three McDonald’s franchises. Multiple restaurant businesses. Real estate investments. His own production company. A billion-peso box-office hit. And recognized by the BIR as one of its top taxpayers.

“These are documented achievements, not anonymous stories,” Michael wrote on Facebook. He added, “Some people spend years building an empire. Others spend their time building an audience out of other people’s names.”

Despite the growing online discussion, Richards has not responded to Gaza's specific accusations.

Richards, however, spoke about his character during the "Hero for All 2026" awarding ceremony. “If there's one thing I’m proud of, sabihin n’yo nang mayabang ako, pero alam ko at the end of the day, I am a good person. No one can’t take that away from me,” he proclaimed.

His agency, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, has also voiced its support. “We know your heart, we believe in you, and stand firmly behind you.”

Initially, Gaza claimed a couple allowed Richards to use their condo unit during the pandemic to make travelling to work easier. He also alleged the actor had not vacated the property and had also failed to return six expensive watches and other items.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and reports have not established the identities of the couple.

Gaza later issued a public apology to Richards, acknowledging that his remarks about the actor’s gender and personal character had crossed a line. 

He has also admitted that some comments he made were made to attract attention and generate engagement.

Gaza, however, did not retract his claims concerning the condo unit and watches. He maintained that he had “cross-checked the claims with multiple sources” in the entertainment industry and continued to question aspects of Richards' public image.

As the controversy continues to unfold online, Alden Richards' friends and supporters have continued to defend him as they try to shine a light on the good things  he has done for others.