THE rift between actors Baron Geisler and Yasmien Kurdi is almost bridged now. The latter filed a case of acts of lasciviousness against the actor after his alleged mischief while on the set of a TV project.

At a press conference recently, the two announced that all is now well between their camps after reaching a mutual decision.  An affidavit of desistance will be issued during the next court hearing slated in November to formally put the case to an end.

At the press conference, Geisler read this statement:

“I am sorry for the misunderstanding [more on this later] between me and Yasmien Kurdi that brought about the filing of the criminal charges against me before the Municipal Trial Court of Bocaue. As many of you already know, I just finished my rehabilitation program for my alcohol problem. My stay at the facility allowed me to reflect and learn from my experiences in life. It is time to start a new leaf in my life. Thank you.”

Kurdi followed with her own statement to the media:

“As a Christian, I accept the apology of Mr. Baron Geisler. I will pray that he has truly been totally rehabilitated and that he will no longer repeat with anyone the unfortunate acts that have led in my filing of the charges against him.

“As the Apostle Luke said in Chapter 17, Verse 4: ‘Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.’

“Mr. Geisler has been sufficiently rebuked, and now that he appears here repentant, I forgive him. It is time for me to leave this sordid affair behind me and move on. I thank those who have stood by me during these trying times, including my family, friends in show business, my brethren in the Iglesia ni Cristo, and my lawyer, Brother Ferdinand Topacio, for their unwavering support.

“I wish Mr. Baron Geisler all the best in his efforts to make a new life for himself and his career.”

It has been some time since Geisler was in the news for his many demeanors involving women whom he allegedly harassed sexually. All these incidents allegedly happened while Geisler was under the influence of alcohol, an addiction he never denied. Aside from the legal battle brought about by Kurdi, there is also a pending case involving him and Patrizha Martinez, daughter of actors William Martinez and Yayo Aguila. 

Geisler submitted himself to treatment in a rehabilitation center after Cherry Pie Picache, another actress, filed complaints with the Professional Association of Managers Inc. (Pami), a group of entertainment managers with very strong clout in the industry, and ABS-CBN Entertainment Network, the producer of the daily drama where Geisler—working while drunk—reportedly mashed the breasts of the award-winning actress during a scene.

The Pami decided swiftly not to allow their actors to work in any project that involved Geisler and for its part, ABS-CBN took his character off the soap opera almost immediately. These actions pushed Geisler to the wall and he finally decided to undergo rehab.

Sorry for the ‘misunderstanding’?

We had coffee with some lawyer friends recently and when our topic shifted to the peace-pact press conference that was initiated by Kurdi, one brought up the interesting manner in which Geisler’s camp drafted his statement, specifically a particular word which we noted at the beginning of this column.

Oh, yes, Geisler sounded apologetic, but he simply used the words “I am sorry for the misunderstanding” instead of any outright admission of Kurdi’s allegations that resulted to the case.

To many of us in the group, Geisler’s brief statement was nothing new, and although we totally support his desire for a new life, and cheered when he entered the rehab program, we were somewhat perturbed with his word choice and we do not even feel the sincerity in his supposed apology. Oh, yes, he did say the words “I am sorry”—but for a misunderstanding? Come on, we reckon he can be more sincere than that!

And more recently, we were more disturbed when he admitted during an interview that he had consumed alcohol again, during the cast party of the movie where he plays a part, Tikoy Aguiluz’s Asiong Salonga, produced by actor-politician ER Ejercito.

I’m sure a lot of televiewers appreciated his candor in that interview but were nonetheless appalled by his admittance that just a few weeks after leaving rehab and telling the world he is now a changed man, he had succumbed to alcohol again.

True forgiveness

We take our hats off to Kurdi, the clear victim in this incident.  Her statement scored high in terms of sincerity and straight-forwardness, but we are sure that it was prepared without being made aware of Geisler’s formal statement. Did Kurdi understand that Geisler’s apology was merely for a misunderstanding and not for any act he committed against her and her rights as a woman and a co-worker?

Some members of the media were able to talk to Cherry Pie Picache to get her comments about the recent press conference of Geisler and Kurdi.  Picache was glad about the developments and was even quoted that everybody deserves a second chance, even praising Geisler.

The case of Patrizha Martinez is different though, because the Martinez camp appears to be tough and not easily swayed by mere apologies.  Many are quietly following the case that is still being heard.

We certainly hope that the many apologies Geisler uttered in front of the cameras came from the core of his heart and he will be steadfast and courageous enough not to give in to any peer pressure or any form of temptation that will make him backslide and return to his romance with alcohol.

We would have expected Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito, Asiong Salonga’s lead actor and producer, to be the first one to remind the newly rehabilitated Geisler not to touch any alcoholic drink on his set or in his cast party. Oh, well....