Tawag Ng Tanghalan champ Noven Belleza speaks up about how he’s dealing with his recent sexual assault controversy. Reports say that an out-of-court settlement was made which resulted in the immediate dismissal of the case. The kampeon also shares what he’s learned amidst all this and how he deals with bashers on social media.
In mid-July, Noven was arrested in Cebu for allegedly forcing himself on a 19-year-old singer. This happened during Noven’s guesting on Vice Ganda’s “Pusuan Mo Si Vice Ganda” held at the IEC Pavillion. The “victim” who pressed charges was eventually revealed to be a fellow contender of ABS-CBN’s Tawag ng Tanghalan TV show. Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office then downgraded his case from rape to sexual assault. Noven then posted bail and headed back to Manila. The victim’s boyfriend, also a TNT contender, spoke about the issue while ABS-CBN also released an official statement asserting Noven’s innocence. Early September, Noven returned and performed on the TNT stage and addressed the issue saying he learned a great deal about trust and thanked his fans for the continued support. Noven’s case was dismissed on Aug 31.
Noven Belleza on out-of-court settlement, ‘dismissed kasi nilaban ko’
A report by PEP says Noven denied reports saying that there was an out-of-court settlement during his case. He said it was the judge’s decision to dismiss the case. If there was an out-of-court settlement, he would’ve known about it because it would’ve come from his own money. Noven also said that he was in continuous communication with his lawyer at that time.
The TNT champ added that the complainant didn’t have anything else to fight for and noted that she wasn’t even there during the scheduled hearings.
Noven also shares how hard it is now for him to fully trust a person. He learned that family is to be trusted first and foremost and whatever happens, it is family who will be with you through thick and thin.
During the height of the controversy, there were bashers in social media who say Noven broke their trust and that his career was down the drains. To that, Noven said there will be bashers but there will also be supporters. He added that because of his fans’ support, he was able to shrug off negative comments. The singer also said that he was able to laugh away comments that he’s read at one point.
Noven Belleza was recently inducted as one of the members of Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mangaawit (OPM) headed by Ogie Alcasid together with other Tawag Ng Tanghalan Season 1 Grand Finalists.