Matt Evans denies arrest related to physical violence charges filed by ex-partner

Matt Evans has denied that his arrest last week for alleged physical violence was related to the same charges filed by his former live-in partner against him in 2012.

Evans was arrested on July 31 at his home in Sampaloc, Manila, for violating Republic Act No. 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004.

Information on the complainant was not indicated on the police report, and he was able to post bail on Aug. 3.

In an interview with PEP.ph on Friday, the actor said he last saw his ex Johnelline Hickins in 2012.

He also said he last saw their daughter, who is staying with her mother, 8 years ago.

“The last time I saw my daughter po, 10 months old pa siya. Eight years old na siya ngayon,” said Evans.

The actor was arrested for the same violation in Pasig City in October 2012. The case was dismissed the following year.

In the PEP interview, Evans denied that he had laid a hand on Johnelline.

He also said he was surprised with his sudden arrest last week.

“Nagulat po at galit na galit dahil ang tagal ko na nananahimik. Eight years na,” he said.

The actor said he’d been happily married with 3 kids, “tapos biglang may ganito na naman after 8 years.” Evans married businesswoman Katrina Fariñas in 2013.

Evans had a message for his ex-live-in partner: “May pamilya na rin akong binubuhay. May pamilya ka na rin sa pagkakaalam ko, pero kahit kailan, hindi kita ginugulo. Sana maging patas ka din.”

He also said, “[s]ana lang tigilan na niya panggugulo sa buhay ko.”

Evans denied running away from his responsibilities to his daughter with Johnelline, saying he missed his regular payments because his livelihood was affected by the pandemic.

“Hindi ko tinakbuhan yung obligasyon ko sa bata,” he told PEP.

“Nagkataon lang na apektado lahat ng kabuhayan ngayon. May lapses din ako noon kasi alam naman ng lahat na no work, no pay ako,” he added.

Evans stressed that he was ready to provide support to their daughter “sa abot ng makakaya ko dahil ang ugnayan namin ay sa bata na lang.”

The actor said he was willing to clear things with Johnelline, although he pointed out that they had talked about their situation before but “ginawa lang niya ulit.” – RC, GMA News