Yasser Marta breaks silence on viral video controversy: ‘Not me’

“Desperada” actor draws firm line on privacy, warns against exploitation in leaked video scandals.

Actor Yasser Marta, who recently bagged a Best Supporting Actor win for his performance in “Desperada,” says he is confident his name won’t be dragged into any scandal involving leaked intimate videos of young Filipino actors.

“Yes, I’m sure,” he said, joking that he would check rooms for hidden cameras or two-way mirrors—before quickly clarifying that he was simply being cautious. “I may look like a prankster, but I’m afraid of things like that.”

Yasser stressed that he doesn’t see himself getting caught up in such controversies. “I’m not one of them. I hope not. For me, what you do in bed is private,” he said. If an alleged video of him ever surfaces, however, he plans to take a hands-off approach. “Deadma na lang. Honestly, I’m not into social media too much, anyway.”

In recent months, several Filipino male personalities—including Nikko Natividad, Aaron Villaflor, Ron Angeles, and Gil Cuerva—have been linked to alleged leaked intimate videos circulating online, particularly on platforms like Telegram. Some clips were reportedly recorded without consent, then shared, resold, or repackaged in private groups, raising concerns over digital exploitation, privacy violations, and the growing underground market for such content.

Unlike others who have issued public statements, Yasser said he wouldn’t feel compelled to explain himself. “I don’t think so. Because it’s really not part of my job as an actor—it’s a private thing. If something does come out, it’s up to you to judge.”

The Film Academy of the Philippines has since expressed willingness to support victims and encouraged those affected to file complaints. For Yasser, accountability is key. “People like that should be punished. The victims didn’t know they were being filmed—some have families. It’s not easy to accept. Many lives will be ruined.”

Relating the issue back to his role as Lucio in Louie Ignacio’s “Desperada,” Yasser reminded audiences not to follow his character’s path. Lucio, a troubled and abused drug-dependent, represents the consequences of choosing the easy way out.

“Don’t imitate Lucio. He has hurt a lot of people,” Yasser said during the recent Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival.

Incidentally, Sinag Maynila organizers—filmmaker Brillante Ma. Mendoza and Solar Studios head Wilson Tieng—have announced that Solar is accepting pitches and original story concepts for its 2027 Script Lab. The deadline for submission of application forms is July 31. Accepted genres include action, romance, and horror, and the call is open to both emerging storytellers and established filmmakers alike.

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