Ellen Adarna misses first hearing on teen paparazzo case

While Ellen kept her Instagram active with posts and stories, she never touched on the issue. (Photo: Ellen Adarna/Instagram)

Controversial actress Ellen Adarna maintained disengaging with the legal turn of events from her “papped” Instagram story.

The 30-year-old actress is facing criminal charges filed by the parents of the 17-year-old girl she accused in her Instagram stories as a paparazzo.

Myra Santos, mother of Eleila Santos earlier posted an open letter calling on Ellen to issue a public apology after seeking legal assistance.

[Read: Mom of ‘paparazzo’ teen asks Ellen Adarna for public apology]

“We are reaching out to you to let you know how deeply hurt we are by the unneeded stress and unwanted attention you caused after you uploaded a photo and video of her on Instagram, without any consent from us,” Myra wrote on Monday, May 7.

According to her, Eleila tried to settle the matter privately but the actress did not reply.

“We initially took it lightly, thinking things would be resolved quickly and the 30-year old you would give the two minors the benefit of the doubt. Even her aunt wrote a private message to you and mentioned she is a minor. However, we did not hear anything from you,” Myra continued.

“Instead, you posted a one-sided narrative and insisted on erroneous and unfounded accusations again on Instagram. You have claimed my daughter is guilty, rude, and has been repeatedly insinuating my daughter is lying,” she added.

Myra then demanded Ellen to publicly apologize, giving her five days to respond.

“We prefer not to take this further, but as our only daughter, we are ready to take this wherever needed to protect her integrity,” she also wrote.

While Ellen kept her Instagram active with posts and stories, she never touched on the issue.

ABS-CBN reported on Tuesday, June 4, that the Santos family pushed through with their legal action before the Pasig City’s Prosecutor’s Office. Ellen, however, was not present in the hearing.

Atty. Arnold Labay, the family’s legal counsel told ABS-CBN that the “hearing was reset to June 11 due to the absence of Ms. Ellen. [The] Santos family would just wait for the child abuse and cybercrime cases to take [their] due course.”

It was also Labay who confirmed to the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) on May 15 that Eleila’s parents proceeded on taking things to a legal turn.

(Read: No public apology? Ellen Adarna faces criminal complaint)

“Yes, Myra and Roel Santos, to protect the rights of their minor daughter, filed earlier today complaints for violations R. A. (Republic Act) 7610 (Anti-child abuse Law) and R.A. 10175 (Anti-Cyber Crime Law) against Ms. Ellen Adarna,” the lawyer texted PEP.