Darren Espanto admitted that his close friendship with veteran performer Jed Madela has been adversely affected by the rampant bashing and malicious comments they've been getting recently.
In a guest appearance in the Thursday episode of Tonight With Boy Abunda, the former The Voice Kids contestant said that he doesn't understand why fans have been bashing Jed for attending his moving up ceremony last April 22 at Eton International School.
He pointed out, "What the bashers didn't know, he was there to support a relative of his, which was also a student at Eton International School."
The 16-year old tried to reach out to Jed about the issue, and advised him to just ignore the negative comments.
He said, "Dumistansya na po [siya] kasi naba-bash na nga po siya, pero I texted him, I told him, 'Huwag na lang pansinin yung mga sinasabi ng mga ibang tao.'"
For his part, Jed feels that keeping his distance from Darren would be the best way to put an end to the malicious rumors and negative feedback online.
The seasoned performer told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during the recent Star Magic 25th anniversary ASAP Special held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum last May 21, "In all honesty, ngayon, hindi kami masyadong okay.
“You know, we just say ‘hi, hello,’ unlike before.
"I don’t know why, like, pati yung pagsuporta ko kay Darren, it’s a big issue.
"They always give malicious meaning.
“Ako, I try to protect the kid.
“Kung iba-bash ninyo ako, okay lang, e.
“Pero pag siya na o yung ibang kaibigan ko, mas lalo akong nasasaktan, kasi ako naha-handle ko, e."
Jed then revealed that his friendship with Darren is no longer what it used to be.