Sparkle issues statement on fake photo of Alden Richards circulating online

Sparkle has issued a statement addressing a fake photo of Alden Richards online.

“It has come to our attention that a photo of our artist, Mr. Alden Richards, appearing to be unclothed, is circulating online,” read the statement posted on social media Monday.

“We wish to inform the public that the said photo is fake and digitally altered using a picture that Richards posted on his social media account months ago,” it continued.

The management added that it would seek “legal recourse against those involved in the posting and sharing of this fake photo as well as those posting libelous comments on the said photo.”

“Mr. Richards is a role model for many people and we strongly condemn perpetrators of malicious activities related to our artists, including the spreading of groundless information and defamation.”

“We all need to guard against fake news, so we urge the public to think before they click.”

As of this writing, fans have showered the statement with messages of support for the Kapuso star. — Franchesca Viernes/BM, GMA News