Maine Mendoza defends Alden Richards: 'Don’t read much into it'

After Maine Mendoza admitted in a podcast episode that she once fell in love with Alden Richards, the actress took to X to clarify that she never intended to spark criticism or negativity. 

According to Maine, she was so surprised that her story gained so much attention after all these years. 

"I didn’t think the part about my story with Alden would spark controversy, let alone be a big deal, considering that everyone had already moved on from Kalyeserye and AlDub,” Maine wrote. 

She explained the purpose of the podcast was to look back on the phenomenal Kalyeserye and share untold stories and personal experiences.

Because Alden played a key role in the segment, it was only natural to include him in their discussions, Maine said.

"There is no reason to exclude him [Alden] from the story/our stories, despite his absence, because he was a big part of Kalyeserye—and it would have felt strange to leave him out," Maine said.

“There was no intention to provoke criticism or negativity towards him or anyone else. I was asked, I answered, and I shared a short anecdote," she added.

Maine shared what she calls "the biggest question": "Why do we get criticized for saying our truth and the truth? And why is it when we do, some people resort to personal attacks meant to demean and harm?"  

“Why pit a woman against a man, as if there’s a competition for who’s more successful? Success isn’t just about career achievements, as if our lives revolve solely around our jobs. In the grand scheme of things, what really needs proving?” she asked.

Maine and Alden top billed the Kalyeserye and comprised the phenomenal AlDub love team that swept the nation 10 years ago. A few years later, the love team got dissolved, each of them went on to pursue solo careers, which disappointed not a few fans.

In her lengthly tweet, Maine expressed her hope that "Ten years on, we can revisit and reflect on the good and the bad with a peaceful heart. I hope we can keep moving forward without nurturing hate—because what’s the point? What do we gain from hostility?"

In a follow-up post, she asked fans not to throw hate on Alden. 

"Please don’t throw hate on Alden. Regardless of what he meant by his words, it was really for the best for both of us and our situation at that time. Don’t read much into it,” she wrote. 

Maine said in a recent podcast that she fell in love with Alden at the height of the AlDub phenomenon and confessed to him.

“Na-in-love talaga ako kay Alden. Kahit sino mag-tanong sa akin. Sasagutin ko nang diretso. Na-in-love ako sa kanya pero hindi siya nanligaw. Walang ganon. Alam din niya kasi very vocal ako sa lahat ng tao pati kay Alden mismo,” Maine revealed. 

“Straightforward naman ako na tao. Tinanong ko siya rekta, ‘Sabihin mo na sa 'kin, ano bang nararamdaman mo for me?’ Direkta kong tinanong sa kanya, gusto ko lang malaman. Sabi ko, ’Kung ano man ‘yan, tatanggapin ko naman. Kailangan ko lang malaman."

According to Maine, Alden told her, "'Di ko pwedeng sabihin sa ’yo kasi mawawala ’yung magic'."

In a 2023 interview in “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” Alden admitted that he did fall in love with Maine throughout the fame of their love team.

During their time as a love team, Alden and Maine starred in several acting projects together such as “Destined to be Yours,” “My Bebe Love: #KiligPaMore,” “Imagine You and Me,” and “Love Is…”

P.S. Please don’t throw hate on Alden. Regardless of what he meant by his words, it was really for the best for both of us and our situation at that time. Don’t read much into it. ??

— Maine Mendoza (@mainedcm) August 19, 2025

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News