Dennis Padilla claps back at claims of being a ‘toxic’ dad: ‘Talaga ba?’ (2025)

(From left) Dennis Padilla, Leon Barretto, Julia Barretto, and Claudia Barretto. Images: Facebook/Gene Padilla, Instagram/@dennisastig

There is no stopping Dennis Padilla from his outbursts following his alleged “shabby treatment” during the wedding of Claudia Barretto, his youngest daughter by ex-wife Marjorie Barretto, with her longtime boyfriend Basti Lorenzo last April 8.

After saying that he is ending his ties with his children and that he would carry such disrespect to his grave, Padilla defended himself from public backlash, labeling him as a “toxic” and “narcissistic” father.

“Ayoko na. Sabi nila, ako ‘yung toxic. Talaga ba (I can’t take it anymore. They said I’m the toxic one. Really)? A father who is longing [for] love [from his] children, especially if the father is going through three-fourths of his life. Do you call that toxic?” he told entertainment host Ogie Diaz during a phone interview on Wednesday, April 9, which was uploaded on his YouTube channel.

Central to Padilla’s complaint was that he was not given the privilege to walk his daughter down the aisle. That privilege apparently went to his ex-wife, Marjorie, who was seen proudly walking side by side with Claudia in her simple magenta pink gown.

He further said that they were not even given a proper place at the wedding, and he was treated more as a guest than as the father of the bride.

Padilla further claimed that he had “privately and publicly” hoped to reconcile with Claudia, Julia, and Leon Barretto — his children with ex-wife, actress-politician Marjorie Barretto — and that he made an effort to reach out to his estranged family and his children’s partners.

“A father who is longing privately and publicly, a father who apologized to the mother and the children, boyfriend of the children, and you call that toxic? A father who posted greetings on birthdays, Valentine’s, Christmas, and New Year to greet them and reach [out]?” he said.

Public sympathy generally tilted towards Padilla’s children, with some urging them to prioritize their “peace,” instead of choosing to involve themselves in the controversial spat.

This Dennis Padilla-Barrretto siblings issue, hopefully, ends the toxic “Tatay mo parin yan” mentality among the general public. We also need to respect the pain of the children.
(c) Karen Davila YT pic.twitter.com/6vE6fMzvbW

— Frodo (@03fanboy) April 9, 2025

Kung totoo to, nakakahiya ka Dennis Padilla. Kairita. Sinira ang image ng anak at isiniwalat pa sa public yung ganitong issues. Kainis. pic.twitter.com/zVog9JvHxM

— angge 🍊 (@reystarcandy) April 10, 2025

I feel bad for your children, Dennis Padilla, especially Claudia. That was her wedding day! You didn’t have to bash them publicly just for that. Buti nga invited ka at may sariling picture kasama sila. You Gene Padilla just added fuel to the fire. Nagpapaka-sadboy ka pa!

— read my bio (@ValenciagaNadin) April 9, 2025

Typical narcissist behavior this Dennis Padilla – he couldn’t bear to see his ex and children thriving and yet got a nerve to demand credits for him being a father at every single chance. Protect your peace and cut off that psycho completely, Juls, Claudia and Leon.

— Shereendipity (@Sheshebureshee) April 8, 2025

Dennis Padilla giving all the reasons why his children should cut him off.

— cmgrl (@cmgrl21) April 10, 2025

Image: Screengrab from Facebook/INQUIRER.net

One SE Kap stressed that Padilla should “take accountability” for his harsh remarks against his children instead of prioritizing his “butthurt ego,” while another, Khareen Gail, said a parent’s emotion and their “maturity” is “not the responsibility” of their children.

Image: Screengrab from Facebook/INQUIRER.net

Image: Screengrab from Facebook/INQUIRER.net

Some netizens also called out Padilla for disrespecting the solemnity of Claudia and Basti’s wedding since the actor-comedian opted to prioritize his emotions over the couple. Many netizens also pointed out that Padilla is “lucky” to be invited to the newlyweds’ special day despite their estranged relationship.

dennis padilla, you were invited to the wedding of the child you left and continue to shame in public. the best wedding gift you couldve given her is to shut the fuck up and you still cant afford her that 😬

— abing (@abinghospital) April 10, 2025

Hindi ko kaya maging father si Dennis Padilla. Like why would you post something like that in your daughter’s big day? Wala na ba talagang consideration para sa anak mo? And kailangan ba talaga i post publicly? Hindi naman kami kasali sa issue niyo.

— Pixie Dust (@pixie_dusssttt) April 8, 2025

dennis padilla should be thanking claudia for being invited bc if i were her i would have cut him out of my life yeaaaarsss ago https://t.co/GaasXc5oSe

— jules 💌🇵🇸 (@mariajuliarinoa) April 9, 2025

Image: Screengrab from Facebook/INQUIRER.net

Image: Screengrab from Facebook/INQUIRER.net

Claudia, Julia, Leon, and Marjorie have since maintained their silence on the matter, as of press time.

Meanwhile, Dani Barretto (Marjorie’s daughter with Kier Legaspi) urged Claudia and Basti to focus on their happiness and not to “let anyone dim [their] light.”