By Daniel Asido

MANILA — Vlogger and internet personality Claire Contreras, also known as Maharlika, is facing another lawsuit in the United States after accusing a Filipino fashion designer of corruption.

In a virtual press conference, the legal team representing Puey Quiñones, a renowned stylist and designer for the Marcoses, detailed the ‘harassment’ that Quiñones has endured from Maharlika, as well as the negative impact her comments have had on his business.

This stems from Maharlika’s controversial YouTube video titled “Designer Iskaameer, Ka Tandem Ni Butod,” posted on Boldyak TV in June 2023. In the video, Maharlika alleges overpricing of designs to the Philippine government, past issues involving Quiñones, and the purported cost of corruption to the Filipino people.

Quiñones vehemently denies these allegations and intends to pursue a civil suit against Maharlika in California, United States.

Additionally, the designer has filed separate criminal charges against Maharlika in Philippine courts.

“I can’t believe someone would accuse me of scamming the people in the Philippines and implicate me and the first lady as scammers. It’s absurd. I can’t comprehend how someone would make such statements without verifying facts and considering the impact on someone’s life, not just their business but also their mental health,” Quiñones stated.

He believes Maharlika may be targeting him due to his association with the Marcos family. “She thinks I’m associated with them [the Marcos family], and maybe she doesn’t like the family. I think she wants to hurt my integrity and credibility because I’m associated with the first family by designing for them. I’m just making clothes, and I have no other agenda but to create dresses,” Quiñones added.

According to Quiñones, Maharlika’s remarks have cost his business an estimated $2 million in damages, along with mental anguish from the vlogger’s ‘hate comments.’

Keith Gregory, Quiñones’ legal counsel, revealed that a cease-and-desist order has been filed against Maharlika but has yet to receive a response from her camp. The legal team plans to proceed with the trial to seek justice for their client and others targeted by the vlogger.

Furthermore, they intend to reach out to YouTube in the future, along with other complainants, to aid in their case and potentially remove Maharlika’s channel if necessary.

In a separate case, Maharlika is also facing cyber-libel charges from Filipino fashion designer Avel Bacudio, her former friend and co-supporter of the Marcos administration, for $2 million for alleged corruption.

(el Amigo/MNM)