In what’s being described as another explosive moment in Philippine showbiz drama, veteran actor Dennis Padilla has once again found himself in the center of controversy — this time after reportedly saying he might disown his children: Claudia, Leon, and Julia Barretto.

Padilla, who has had a rocky and very public relationship with his children from ex-wife Marjorie Barretto, allegedly made the bold statement in frustration over ongoing misunderstandings and emotional distance between him and his kids. But before the issue could settle, internet personality and businessman Xian Gaza jumped in, calling out the actor and criticizing him for what many are calling “emotional manipulation.”

Dennis Padilla and Julia Barretto’s father-daughter feud has been widely documented over the years, often playing out on social media and interviews. Padilla has openly expressed his desire to reconnect with Julia, even getting emotional during various appearances, lamenting that she continues to distance herself from him.

In the past, Julia and her siblings, Claudia and Leon, have spoken out about their own experiences and the emotional toll of their relationship with their father. Leon, in a now-viral open letter released in 2022, appealed for understanding from the public and asked for privacy while dealing with personal family matters. Many praised the Barretto siblings for choosing peace over drama, despite being under the spotlight.

In a recent interview or post (which has now circulated widely online), Dennis reportedly expressed that he might have to “let go” of his children, saying he is tired of chasing after their affection only to be met with silence or rejection.

“They don’t even greet me on Father’s Day,” he reportedly said. “Maybe I should stop trying. Maybe I should disown them.”

The statement has caused uproar among netizens, many of whom see it as a guilt trip aimed at the Barretto children. The backlash was swift — and Xian Gaza was among the first to respond.

Xian Gaza, known for his blunt and often controversial social media presence, did not hold back in addressing Dennis Padilla. In a post that quickly gained traction, Xian criticized the actor for repeatedly airing out personal grievances in public and for putting emotional pressure on his children.

“Dennis, you’re the father. You’re supposed to be the bigger person. Stop acting like a victim when your children are just trying to heal from what they experienced,” Xian said in his post.

He continued by saying, “Disowning them now just proves what they’ve been dealing with all along. Love is not supposed to be conditional.”

Xian’s words struck a chord with many followers who echoed similar sentiments — that family issues, especially those involving emotional wounds, are best resolved privately and with mutual understanding, not public outbursts.

The internet was quick to take sides, and it appears most sympathize with Julia, Claudia, and Leon. Many highlighted how the Barretto siblings have largely remained silent and respectful despite the very public nature of their family feud.

“Dennis Padilla is not being canceled for being a father,” one netizen wrote. “He’s being criticized for being emotionally manipulative. There’s a difference.”

Still, there were a few who defended Padilla, saying that it’s understandable for a father to feel hurt when his children push him away. “He’s a father who’s longing for his kids. Maybe he just doesn’t know how to express it,” said one commenter.

As of writing, none of the Barretto siblings have issued a statement in response to their father’s latest remarks, nor have they responded to Xian Gaza’s commentary. The silence on their part may be a sign of maturity — or perhaps weariness over having their personal lives dissected by the public once again.

What’s clear is that this latest chapter in the Padilla-Barretto saga has reignited conversations about parenting, emotional accountability, and the very thin line between public transparency and private pain.