Thea Astley on viral market video with Elijah Canlas: 'Bumibili lang naman kami ng gulay'

Thea Astley just gave clarity to the viral photos and video of her and Elijah Canlas, saying that they are just friends and nothing romantic happened in a La Union public market.

On the latest episode of “TRGGRD!,” The Clash” Season 2 first runner-up explained that she and Canlas, both 26, were simply buying ingredients for pinakbet, a Filipino mixed vegetable stew, when they were filmed at a public market.

“Dahil lang sa pinakbet, ang dami nang nasabi,” Astley said. “Kaya nga, hindi ko rin alam eh, kung bakit nag viral, bumibili lang naman kami ng gulay.”

Astley recalled that she and Canlas were already aware that a video of them was circulating while they were in La Union, but they did not think much of it at first. It was only after they returned to Manila that they realized how widely the video had spread.

“It was just taken out of context na kasi there was a video tapos biglang naging screenshots na where ’pag iyong screenshots lang talaga ‘yung tinignan mo, mapapaisip ka talaga that Jelo (Elijah) was like holding my hand or something like that,” she said.

The actress-singer then made it clear that there was nothing romantic between them. “But I just want to be clear that Elijah and I are friends. Like we’ve been friends for years now at this point, and I would never go on a trip like that.”

She also denied ever cheating on anyone or knowingly becoming involved in another person’s relationship. “I’ve never cheated on anyone. I’ve never been the third party in any relationship to my knowledge,” she added.

Astley said she understands why fans of Canlas and Miles Ocampo, 29, are protective of their relationship, particularly because they have followed the couple for years and witnessed their relationship develop.

“Gets ko ’yung mga fans na feeling they feel invested in the relationship. Kasi sinuportahan nila ’yung dalawa, and nakita nila paano nag-blossom ’yung relationship ng dalawa through the years and then to suddenly parang here I come na parang threat to that bond.”

While Astley did not comment on whether Canlas and Ocampo have already separated, she reiterated that she has no intention of interfering in their relationship.

“I just want to be clear that I’m just friends with Elijah, and I would never do that to another girl. I know what that’s like. I know what that feeling is like. I would never ever willingly come between a relationship. Never. I would never do that,” she emphasized.

At the same time, Astley said that while she understands where the fans are coming from, she does not appreciate being attacked or called names online.

“Gets ko ‘yung pain ng fan. But also, I hope that you could- naiiyak tuloy ako. Like, I also hope that you could give me a little bit of grace, like to see the things that I’m being called on the internet kind of hurts too. Like, to be called kabit or malandi. And just to see also my parents’ reactions to seeing some of the comments, I also feel hurt for them. To see that I’m being called these names when it’s not true,” she expressed.

She said she initially chose to let the issue pass, but eventually realized that there are times when speaking up is necessary.

“The things that you guys are saying are hurtful, guys. Watch your words. Words have power too and they're not true. You don't know. You don't know the full story. You don’t know me. You don’t know Jelo. You probably don't know Miles either. You just don't have the facts.”

The controversy began earlier this month after Canlas was spotted with Astley in La Union. A TikTok video showed the two walking around what appeared to be a public market while browsing vegetable stalls. At one point, Canlas was seen holding Astley’s arm as they walked.

The footage prompted speculation about the status of Canlas’ relationship with Ocampo, with some social media users accusing Astley of being a third party.

Canlas reconciled with his ex-girlfriend Ocampo two years ago, although their current relationship status remains unclear. The actor recently shared that it is “not the happiest moment” of his life.