Ogie Diaz refuted Careless CEO Jeffrey Oh’s claim that Liza Soberano was offered to audition for MJ’s role (ultimately played by Zendaya) in the 2016 film “Spider-Man: Homecoming”. This statement was made on Tuesday, March 7, adding that Soberano’s contract with former management Star Magic prohibited her from grabbing the opportunity. Oh was quoted saying, “She was not allowed because she had to do the same thing she was always doing, right?”
“I really shouldn’t have said that but it’s the truth, it’s the truth,” he asserted. “Imagine, a Filipina actress was a star of one of the biggest Marvel history, movies in history? Imagine she was Mary Jane? What that would do for Philippine entertainment? But then, she was in a 10-year contract which is also unheard of anywhere else in the world.”
Related: Liza Soberano Reintroduces Herself in New Vlog
Oh’s words called the attention of Diaz, who was in charge of managing Soberano under the ABS-CBN talent management. In his recent vlog, the manager/TV personality addressed the claim saying, “Si Liza Soberano rin po ang nagsabi niyan na walang imbitasyon na galing sa Marvel at iyong Tweet na iyon ay galing sa isang fan na nagpakalat na naniniwala na posible na makapasok si Liza bilang isa sa mga extra or mayroong mga roles doon sa Spider-Man kung siya ay sakaling mag-a-audition.” This was in reference to Soberano’s statement back in 2016, where she denied the same claim.
Photos: Ogie Diaz / Liza Soberano / Jeffrey Oh
Now, he is calling for Soberano’s new management to reveal their proof. “Mr. Jeffrey, you might want to release the receipt or the proof, that Liza received an invitation from Marvel to audition for the role of Mary Jane? Dahil ako, bilang former manager ni Liza, ang Star Magic at ng ABS-CBN, as far as we know, walang imbitasyon mula sa Marvel at iyan ang sinegundahan ni Liza, kaya hindi ko alam kung saan nanggagaling si Mr. Jeffrey,” he explained. “Baka kapag may resibo, e, makapag-sorry kami kay Liza.”
Also read: James Reid Shows His Support for Liza Soberano Amid Career Changes
Moreover, Diaz somewhat agreed that it was an opportunity of a lifetime. “Sino ba naman ang ayaw? Lead yun ano, at Hollywood movie yun ano, na pangarap ni Liza,” he went on. “Pero wala nga pong imbitasyon, alangan namang mag-gatecrash ka sa audition? Wala namang ganun. Tapos bakit naman hindi namin i-a-allow yung bata, di ba? Although that time, marami talagang ginagawa si Liza.”
Despite understanding Soberano’s Hollywood dream, her former manager pointed out that the actress could not just stay on hold until an opportunity like that opens up for her. He said, “alangan namang nakatanghod lang yon sa bahay at naghihintay lang siya kung mayroon siyang audition mula sa Hollywood, hindi ba?”
Also read: CONFIRMED: Liza Soberano to Make Her Hollywood Debut With Film “Lisa Frankenstein”
Moving on, Diaz declared, “Kaya nga sabi ko, sana nag-uusap sina Liza at yung bago niyang management, or kinausap muna ni Mr. Jeffrey Oh si Liza, kung anong pakakawalan na statement; kasi dahil sa statement na yan, binash tuloy nang binash si Liza.”
He also mentioned that “You cannot erase the fact that ABS-CBN, Star Magic, and Ogie Diaz were part of Liza Soberano’s success and popularity [that] you are enjoying.”
Related Article: “I Am Very Grateful”: Liza Soberano Addresses Feedback on Her Controversial Vlog
Nevertheless, Diaz told Careless, “I know you can take care of Liza as much as we did.”
As of writing, Liza Soberano and Careless are yet to release a follow-up statement.
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