Kira Balinger denies she was the subject of JMFyang blind item

Kira Balinger has denied she was the actress referred to in a blind item discussed by Sofia "Fyang" Smith and JM Ibarra during the pair's appearance on “Gandang Gabi Vice.”

The British-Filipino actress addressed the rumors spreading online on Monday, September 21, by reposting a statement from her official fan page on Instagram Stories. The statement acknowledged that the incident described in the blind item did occur but clarified that Balinger was not the woman involved.

“We are writing to address the ongoing discussions and widespread rumors on social media about the blind item concerning ‘the leading man of a popular love team being invited to a hotel room by an actress,’” the statement read. 

“While we acknowledge that the incident mentioned in the blind item did occur, we are issuing this statement to set the record straight regarding who was involved.”

“To end the unwarranted harassment, false accusations, and baseless speculations immediately: it was NOT Kira Balinger.”

The fan page explained that it would not name anyone or provide additional details out of respect for the artists involved, their management teams, and their respective fanbases. “But we will not stand by while Kira’s name is dragged into false claims.”

It also urged social media users to be more responsible and to fact-check before making assumptions online. “If you have watched the full video, both the host and the guests specifically emphasized not to make assumptions since no names were ever dropped. Let’s create a healthier digital space for all fandoms,” the statement added.

Balinger appeared to take the rumors lightly in her own repost, adding the playful remark: “Afam po ang type ko.”

The actress is the onscreen partner of Josh Ford. The two are popularly known as “KiSh,” a tandem that gained attention following their stint on “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.” Fyang and JM, meanwhile, are known as the onscreen love team “JMFyang.”

The rumors came after Fyang and JM discussed the blind item during their guesting on “Gandang Gabi Vice” on Sept. 20.

During the show's “Deep Truth” segment, Fyang presented a statement for host Vice Ganda and co-hosts Divine Tetay, Verna Joy Periwinkle, and Vince Maristela to determine whether it was “trot” (true) or “charot” (false).

The statement read: “May isang babaeng nagyaya kay JM sa isang event para umakyat sa kwarto.”

Fyang then provided details about the alleged incident. She said it happened when she and JM attended the ABS-CBN Ball for the first time.

According to Fyang, the female celebrity personally invited JM to accompany her to her room to continue the after-party celebration. However, for reasons that were not explained, only JM was invited, even though Fyang also knew the woman who invited him.

“Nalaman ko kasi nagsabi siya [JM] sa akin,” Fyang explained.

She recalled JM telling her about the invitation, saying, “Alam mo 'yung parang [sabi niya], 'Let's have an after-party in my room.'” Fyang also revealed that the woman was older than her.

Fyang gave another clue, describing the woman as someone who spoke English and worked for ABS-CBN. “Englishera kasi siya... Taga ABS-CBN.”

Vice Ganda then asked JM how he responded when the woman invited him to her room. He said he simply smiled because he did not want to appear disrespectful.

After hearing the clues from JMFyang, Vice, Vince, Divine, and Verna all answered “trot,” which Fyang later confirmed was the correct answer.

The exchange also prompted Vice to praise Fyang for how confidently she handled the situation. “Ang taray mo rin talaga, 'no? Very secured ka.”

Fyang responded that she was confident JM would not accept the invitation.

She added, “Hindi ko ibababa 'yung sarili ko para sa kanya,” before delivering a remark apparently directed at the woman who allegedly invited JM to her room: “Sabi ko sa yo, girl, e. Di ba, at least, nice try.”