VIVA Artists Agency (VAA) stood firm the controversial actress Nadine Lustre has an exclusive contract with them until June 2029.
The statement comes after the actress decided to terminate her contract with the talent agency.
In a statement, VAA denied the claims of Lustre’s camp that it is “taking advantage” of its young artists through “oppressive and illegal” contracts.
“This is not a David versus Goliath scenario as portrayed by Atty. Kapunan. This matter is about respect — respect for the law, respect for contractual commitments, and good faith in professional relationships,” the statement said.
Lustre first signed her contract with VAA in 2009 with the consent of her parents. She later on signed deals extending her contract until 2029.
VAA refuted the claims of Atty. Lorna Kapunan that Lustre can terminate the contract anytime.
“This is false. This required VIVA to invest their time, resources, and good will to hone Nadine’s talent and build her reputation. This included investing in workshops, training her talents, pairing her with an equally popular actor in a love team, producing movies and preparing her for roles that will showcase her skills as an actress, among others. As a result of VIVA’s efforts, Nadine is one of the most sought-after actresses in her generation,” VAA added.
“On the other hand, Nadine, as VIVA’s exclusive talent, is obligated to abide by the terms of her Agreement. This requires Nadine to appear in tapings, shows, and events; to perform roles in movies which she agreed to do; to coordinate with VIVA on projects and endorsements that would advance her career; among others,” the statement explained.
VAA also said that they have been responding to Kapunan’s letters contrary to her claoms that they ignored her.
The agency warns of possible legal actions should a ‘third party’ continue to interfere with Lustre’s contract.
“VIVA is not harassing or maligning Nadine as claimed by her lawyer. Neither is VIVA interfering with third parties in directly dealing with Nadine. Rather, VIVA is merely seeking to enforce its rights under the law and under the Agreement that Nadine knowingly entered into and benefited from,” the statement said.
SEE ALSO: Nadine Lustre speaks up on break up with James Reid, contract with VIVA
