MANILA, Philippines — Actress Kim Chiu has filed a qualified theft complaint against her sister, Lakambini Chiu, after uncovering what she described as “serious financial discrepancies” in one of her business ventures.
Star Magic, Chiu’s management agency, confirmed on Tuesday, Dec. 2, that the actress, accompanied by her legal team, submitted the complaint at the Quezon City prosecutor’s office. The agency also released photos showing Chiu giving her sworn statement inside the DOJ Building.
In a statement sent to ABS-CBN, Chiu said pursuing the case was “one of the most painful steps” she has ever taken.
“After careful consideration and months of internal review, I have made the difficult decision to file a legal case for qualified theft against my sister, Lakambini Chiu, in relation to serious financial discrepancies discovered within my business operations,” she said. “This decision did not come easily… It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life.”
Chiu added that the complaint was necessary “to protect not just my company, but also the livelihoods of the people who work with me.”
Her legal counsel declined to release further details regarding the allegations or the business involved.
Speculation about a rift between the Chiu sisters surfaced earlier this year when fans noticed that they had unfollowed each other on Instagram amid rumors of business-related tension.
In 2023, Lakambini faced a health scare due to an undisclosed condition, during which she publicly thanked Kim for her support and positivity.
