Andrea Brillantes as 'trophy GF?' Ricci Rivero addresses issues on breakup

Ricci Rivero addressed a few speculations surrounding his breakup with actress Andrea Brillantes.

On Monday's episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," the King of Talk asked Ricci for his reaction to claims that he only treated Andrea as a "trophy girlfriend."

The basketball player denied that he used Andrea to become popular, saying that he turned down offers to appear in sit-down interviews and shows with Andrea.

"Simula po nung naging kami never po akong nag-yes, lahat po nag-beg off ako," he said. "Kasi ayoko ko rin naman pong i-connect 'yung trabaho sa personal relationship ko."

"Sa 'kin sobrang genuine lang lahat eh," he added. "Wala sa isip ko 'yung mga ganyang bagay kasi parang minsan na lang ako mag-girlfriend 'di ba, bakit sa ganyang paraan ko pa naman gagawin."

Ricci also denied long-standing rumors that he has a gay boyfriend.

He said that he has high respect for the LGBTQIA+ community and he is surrounded by many of its members in his showbiz and basketball career.

"Madami po talagang ni-lolook up in a way na 'yung personality nila, the way they carry themselves, na alam ko po na mataas 'yung respeto namin sa isa't isa, sa kanilang lahat, na hindi naman po aabot sa romantic relationship," he said.

He also said that he is straight.

Meanwhile, Ricci shut down speculations that former beauty queen Leren Mae Bautista was the third-party that caused his breakup with Andrea.

The athlete said the split was a mutual decision between them and opened up on the real reasons behind the separation.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News