Actor and TV host Vic Sotto plans to file a formal case against director Darryl Yap regarding his controversial film The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma, which features references to Sotto in its trailer. According to a News5 report, the case will be lodged at the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court on January 9, as confirmed by Sotto’s legal counsel.
Yap released the trailer for the movie on January 1, sparking heated discussions online. The film, set to be released in February, stars Rhed Bustamante as Pepsi Paloma, Gina Alajar, Mon Confiado, and other notable actors. It revisits the life of Pepsi Paloma, a Filipino-American actress and one of the “Softdrink Beauties” of the 1980s, who gained notoriety following her involvement in a scandal involving allegations against prominent comedians Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Richie D’Horsie.
The inclusion of Sotto’s name in the trailer has drawn sharp reactions. While Yap claims the film aims to shed light on the late actress’s experiences and not malign individuals, Sotto’s camp views the mention as defamatory. Sotto’s legal team has emphasized their intent to protect his reputation, especially given the enduring public interest in the 1982 case, which Paloma eventually withdrew after receiving a public apology.
The film has generated mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting its bold approach to revisiting a sensitive issue, while others express concerns about reopening old wounds. Yap, meanwhile, defends his work, calling it a truthful retelling of Paloma’s tragic story.
Pepsi Paloma, whose real name was Delia Dueñas Smith, rose to fame in the 1980s as part of the Softdrink Beauties—a trio of actresses known for their sultry image. Her life was cut short in 1985 at the age of 17, officially ruled as a suicide. However, speculations about the circumstances of her death persist to this day.
