Ricci Rivero: “Nagsasalita lang ako if bugbog na family ko and Leren”
RICCI RIVERO – The basketball player chose not to comment on the recent controversies surrounding his ex-girlfriend, Andrea Brillantes.
However, he made it clear that there is no animosity between him and the Kapamilya actress. During an interview at the anniversary party of a massage chair and recliner brand on Friday evening, he stated, “Any comment wala po.”
“From the very start, I just wanted peace for everyone. Ako gusto ko lang family ko masaya, I’m very lucky to be happy as well both career relationship ngayon. Wala ako anything against kahit sino. Kaya aka nagsalita before just for the sake for people to hear my side,” he added.
Rivero explained that he felt the need to speak out only when his family and girlfriend, Leren Mae Bautista, were implicated in the issue. “Nagsasalita lang ako if bugbog na family ko and Leren, which I think they don’t deserve. Sakin wala. Kasi pumasok ako sa relationship, I know how social media plays on our lives and spotlight we got in that time. Walang anything. No bad blood. Masakit lang for my family, they don’t deserve the words and judgement,” he expressed.
He shared that he was saddened for Andrea during those times and for his family, who experienced such scrutiny for the first time. Despite the challenges, Rivero confirmed that they have moved forward and are happier now.
“Pero ngayon tapos na dun. I’m just happy masaya family ngayon. Mas happy kami ngayon,” he said. “Yung core namin is hanggang nasa tama ka naman, God will help us din through the storms. Lahat yan hindi bibigay without knowing kaya natin lagpasan,” he added.
Reflecting on the experience, Rivero emphasized that it taught him the importance of keeping relationships more private. “Yung relationship namin private na po muna,” he stated. In early June, Ricci Rivero publicly confirmed his breakup with Andrea Brillantes, admitting it was a “mistake” to keep the separation private despite their relationship being public. Their relationship had been confirmed in April 2022 when Rivero asked Brillantes to be his girlfriend after a basketball game.