It has been over two decades since the late matinee idol Rico Yan has passed, yet his name has once again resurfaced in controversy.

The recent statements by ‘90s sexy actress Sabrina M, alleging that she was in a relationship with Rico before he passed away, have caused a stir in the industry. After all, what the public knew up to this point was that Claudine Barretto was Rico’s last love despite them having broken up weeks before he passed away.

While Rico’s family have generally stepped away from the public eye, it seemed this recent issue has pushed no other than Rico’s mother, Teresita Castro-Yan, to speak up.

“It has been 21 years since Rico passed on March 29, 2002.  The pain of the family losing a son and a brother has been permanently etched into our being,” began her statement sent to and shared by showbiz columnist Ogie Diaz.

The said statement was read by Ogie on his vlog, Showbiz Update, which was uploaded on July 17, 2023. According to Ogie, he was able to speak to Mrs. Yan last Sunday morning through Bobby Yan, Rico’s older brother.

Rico’s mother expressed dismay at having her son’s name involved in such issues especially since he is no longer around to speak for himself.

“The recent news swirling around Rico is very unfair,” said Mrs. Yan. “He is no longer around to give his comment, to either refute, or deny, or acknowledge the claims.”

“It is not only unfair but disrespectful,” she stressed.

Mrs. Yan further asked that people stop involving her son in any more issues and to leave him and his family out of any controversies.

“I ask everyone concerned to please STOP using Rico’s name for their own individual purposes,” she pleaded. “Please leave Rico and us in peace.”

It can be recalled that Sabrina has claimed that she had been in a relationship with Rico just before he passed away, even stating that Bobby and Claudine knew about it.

Claudine seemed to not agree with this. Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, a friend and longtime lawyer of Claudine, has countered these statements and demanded that Sabrina issue a public apology.

READ: Claudine Barretto seeks to clear issue connecting Rico Yan to Sabrina M

However, Sabrina has refused to take back her claims and has instead chosen to consult her own team of lawyers to counter any charges that may come.

READ: Sabrina M refuses to give public apology; seeks legal counsel instead

“Wala pong public apology na magaganap,” she said.