BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

“What’s going on between Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial?”

That’s the question of netizens as they have seen Richard Gutierrez and Barbie Imperial together several times, now questioning if they are already dating.

Showbiz insider Ogie Diaz reportedly confirmed that Richard and Barbie are exclusively dating. In the latest episode of “Showbiz Updates” last Thursday, May 30, Ogie spilled the story he heard from their “very reliable source.”

“Kumpirmado, exclusively dating na sina Richard Gutierrez at Barbie Imperial. Ayon sa aming very reliable source, walang overlapping na naganap at hiwalay na umano sina Richard at Sarah Lahbati bago pa pumasok sa eksena si Barbie,” he said. 

“Last year pa hiwalay umano ang mag-asawa, pareho ng single at co-parenting na lamang sila sa kanilang dalawang anak,” he added. 

Ogie’s source allegedly clarified that it was only in 2024 that Richard reportedly developed feelings for Barbie. According to his source, they couldn’t help but feel sorry for the actress because of the accusation that she was a homewrecker.

“Barbie had nothing to do with the hiwalayan issue,” Ogie reiterated.

How did Richard and Barbie’s link-up start, anyway?

Last January, they were spotted together at a gastropub in Alabang. It became an issue because it was during the peak of the rumor that Richard and his wife, Sarah Lahbati, had separated and were just co-parenting their children.

They were together in the successfully concluded action-drama series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” but after that, they didn’t have any projects together. So, netizens wonder how they became close to each other. This is the first time Richard was seen with another woman, amidst the issue of his separation from his wife. 

According to reports, Richard was seen as being very protective of Barbie, and his gentlemanly gesture of assisting her to the restroom was noted.

However, according to Ogie Diaz’ close source to Richard, there’s no hint of any malice or “brewing something” between them. Unbeknownst to many, Barbie is one of the stockholders of the said gastropub, and as an owner, she esteemed Richard as a friend, just like her other business partners.

They reportedly only conversed for a few minutes, but it quickly caught the attention of onlookers who recorded videos and spread them on social media.

So, according to Ogie’s source, there’s no implication or relationship between Richard and Barbie. But three months later, rumors about the two resurfaced when netizens noticed that they vacationed in the same place during Holy Week.

And before May ended, the two were seen strolling together in South Korea. Several Filipinos who were there spotted the two of them, with some even asking for photos with them.

Barbie’s gym photo also sparked discussion, where netizens noticed a man in the background who they claimed to be Richard. However, upon closer inspection of the photo, it’s not actually Richard who is the man in question.

Meanwhile, Sarah was spotted dining with a foreign man at a restaurant. When asked about it, she clarified that the said companion was just a friend she had lunch with.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo: Fashion Pulis