Arsi Baltazar, former head of GMA Artist Center for talent management, has issued an official statement to deny the allegations made by Kapuso talent Sarah Lahbati.
Sarah, through her Twitter posts, accused Arsi of being involved in "under the table" deal with Icons, the talent management group headed by Bebong Muñoz and Andrew Dee.
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In a statement sent to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) through e-mail this afternoon, January 9, Arsi denied asking Sarah "to sign a co-management agreement with Icons."
He also denied telling the young actress that "co-managed talents of Icons are given priority."
Arsi also disclosed consulting his lawyer "and will not hesitate to institute any legal action that I may have against Sarah Labhati.”
ARSI'S STATEMENT. Here is the complete statement of Arsi Baltazar:
“I vehemently deny Sarah Lahbati's false and malicious accusations against me.
“Firstly, I never asked her to sign a co-management agreement with Icons.
“Secondly, I never told her that co-managed talents of Icons are given priority.
“In fact, even if Sarah Lahbati never signed up with Icons, she has been a priority talent of GMA Artist Center since being declared grand winner in the reality talent search show Starstruck V in 2010 up to the end of 2012.
“She was treated with high regard and given lead roles in soap operas and other prime projects.
“Numerous GMA Artist Center talents are co-managed by other independent talent managers.
“The only GMA Artist Center talents who are co-managed by Icons are Bianca King, Ellen Adarna, and Marc Acueza. Icons is also a branding and legal consultant of Alden Richards.
“All these are public information and covered by legal contracts.
“I have been in the entertainment and talent management business since 1985 and for 27 years and in all those years, conducted myself with high moral standards, dignity and professionalism.
“I have consulted my lawyer and will not hesitate to institute any legal action that I may have against Sarah Lahbati.”