Maricar Reyes Scandal: Actress Opens Up | Latest Updates & News

Stacy Ferry 18 May 2025

Can a single event irrevocably alter the course of a life, and what does it take to rebuild from the ashes of public scandal? Maricar Reyes, the actress who became the focal point of a national controversy, has finally broken her silence, offering a candid glimpse into her journey of healing and transformation after the tumultuous events of 2009.

Manila, Philippines It's been a long time coming. Actress Maricar Reyes has chosen to open up about what she terms the "darkest chapter" of her life, a period marked by the fallout from a leaked video scandal involving celebrity doctor Hayden Kho Jr. The year was 2009, a time before widespread cybercrime laws in the Philippines, a factor that significantly shaped the aftermath of the incident. While the scandal itself was sensational, its impact extended far beyond the immediate headlines, fundamentally altering the lives of those involved. Reyes, known for her acting career, had maintained a silence on the matter for over a decade, until the release of her book, aptly titled "Maricar," which provides a long-awaited, deeply personal account of her experience.

Category	Details
Full Name	Maricar Sarmiento Reyes-Poon
Date of Birth	June 20, 1983
Place of Birth	Manila, Philippines
Nationality	Filipino
Marital Status	Married to Richard Poon
Occupation	Actress, Singer, Author
Years Active	2000 - Present
Notable Works	"Imortal," "La Vendetta," "I Love Betty La Fea"
Book Title	Maricar
Reference Website	IMDb - Maricar Reyes

The scandal of 2009, which involved Maricar, along with several other women, including Katrina Halili and Ruffa Mae Quinto, brought with it an avalanche of media attention. However, the legal landscape at the time offered little recourse. The absence of comprehensive cybercrime laws meant that charges were not filed against anyone, including Dr. Kho. The only legal action taken was the revocation of Kho's medical license. The incident highlighted the lack of protection and the vulnerability of individuals in the digital age. The impact of the video leak was immense and far-reaching, particularly on Maricar Reyes' reputation. The actress, whose career was thriving at the time, found herself in the midst of a public firestorm. The subsequent years were marked by a period of quiet contemplation and personal reflection. In an Instagram post related to the book, Reyes disclosed that its creation took twelve years, underscoring the length of time it took to heal and process the events. The book, she said, is "sobra siyang meaningful sa akin," highlighting the profound personal significance it holds.

The circulation of the videos, especially in the early days of the internet, was a stark illustration of the vulnerabilities of personal privacy in the digital world. The fact that the videos were shared and viewed widely, without the consent of the individuals involved, underscores the devastating impact of such breaches of privacy. The distribution of these videos raises critical questions about consent, responsibility, and the legal frameworks needed to address such issues.

The scandal also cast a light on the complexities of societal judgment. While the video scandal caused a lot of buzz on social media, it also revealed the power of public perception and the challenges faced by individuals when their personal lives are exposed to the scrutiny of the masses. It's a harsh reminder of the speed with which reputations can be damaged and the lasting impact of public perception. The fact that these events occurred before the implementation of cybercrime legislation emphasizes the inadequacy of existing laws in dealing with such issues at the time. This situation created a legal vacuum, highlighting the need for updated laws and improved methods of protection against online exploitation and privacy violations. This gap has since been addressed in part with the enactment of cybercrime laws in the Philippines, which aim to provide a legal framework to protect individuals from the harms of online behavior.

The controversy surrounding the videos brings to the forefront the ethical implications of creating and sharing intimate recordings. The dissemination of such materials without consent is widely viewed as a violation of privacy and a form of violence, as articulated by Sylvia Claudio of the University of the Philippines. The damage inflicted goes beyond the immediate impact, often leaving lasting emotional scars and psychological distress on the victims. The fact that the videos were shared without consent underscores the importance of safeguarding personal information and the need for stricter legal repercussions for those who violate these boundaries. This is a reminder of the urgent need for public awareness and education about the digital rights and the importance of consent.

Maricar Reyes, speaking about the events that took place thirteen years ago, has characterized them as the "darkest chapter" of her life, indicating the profound and lasting impact that the events had on her. It is a statement reflecting the profound and enduring effect the incident had on her, and it underscores the emotional toll taken by such events. Her willingness to revisit this difficult time, and the fact that she has now decided to share her story in a book, highlights the importance of facing one's past and the value of healing. This act of vulnerability and self-expression offers hope and insights into the path toward rebuilding after a period of intense public scrutiny.

The recent revelation by Maricar Reyes offers an opportunity to reflect on the legal and ethical challenges of the digital age. The scandal not only exposed the weaknesses of the existing legal framework but also sparked critical conversations about consent, privacy, and the need for robust laws to protect individuals from online harms. By choosing to share her story, Reyes hopes to give some insight into the devastating repercussions of a scandal. Moreover, it highlights the vital importance of personal resilience, demonstrating how individuals can triumph over adversity and, over time, redefine their narrative.