Noven Belleza is said to be headed back to Manila after posting bail for the sexual assault case filed against him by the 19-year-old victim in Cebu. Meanwhile, the victim’s boyfriend speaks up about the controversy involving her girlfriend through Facebook. Moreover, Noven’s network ABS-CBN released a press statement on Wednesday regarding the Tawag Ng Tanghalan grand champion.
On July 16, the singing champ was arrested in Cebu for allegedly raping a 19-year-old singer at his condo. Read the full story here. After spending three nights in police custody, Noven posts bail as Cebu City Prosecutor’s office downgraded his case from rape to sexual assault. It was earlier reported that he and the victim knew each other and were even text mates. Read on to know more.
Victim narrates what happened, Noven asserts he did not commit the crime
The 19-year-old victim narrates her side of the story in a report by Sunstar Bacolod. According to her, Noven asked her to go with him to his condominium in Cebu City on July 15. When they reached the condo, she asked if she could use the toilet. When she was done, she got out of the toilet and that was when Noven allegedly held her arms and pulled her towards him.
She said she tried to stop him and even pleaded, resisted and shouted but Noven kept on kissing her on different parts of her body. The report says the victim was in shock but managed to go home and keep it to herself. But soon after, she reported the incident to the police. The victim said Noven even asked her not to pursue filing a case against him.
A report by PEP reveals that Noven and the victim were both actually contenders of the singing contest on ABS-CBN’s “Tawag Ng Tanghalan sa Showtime.” Apparently, the victim’s boyfriend was also a fellow contender and in the same report, he speaks up about the controversy. No names were mentioned in the report to protect their privacy.
According to the report, the victim’s boyfriend couldn’t help but defend his girlfriend amidst all the hate she’s getting online. He posted a rant on Facebook addressed to bashers saying they shouldn’t be quick to judge since none of them knew the truth. He also addressed those who say the victim is after Noven’s money. The victim’s boyfriend said his girlfriend wouldn’t put herself through all this shame if it were just for the money. Some say she’s doing it for fame. He said his girlfriend is even better than Noven.
ABS-CBN, on the other hand, released an official statement regarding Noven’s case. They say Noven asserts that he did not commit the crime charged against him and he will prove his innocence in the course of the legal proceedings.