BY NEIL RAMOS
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NADINE Lustre’s camp is more than eager to face possible legal action arising from her decision to leave Viva Artists Agency (VVA).
Her legal counsel, Atty. Lorna Kapunan said in a statement, “We welcome any legal action by VIVA so their unconscionable, oppressive and illegal Contract with Nadine (and their other artists) can be litigated in the proper forum.
“It’s about time that a David strikes out a Goliath that has taken advantage of young artists in the industry for the longest time.
“Viva lawyers have not replied to our earlier letters but chose to wait in ambush to malign Nadine and harass Third parties dealing with her in good faith. This is wrongful and malicious Contract interference by VIVA actionable in law for damages.”
The statement was in response to VVA’s statement released earlier disputing Nadine’s decision to leave the fold.
It said:
“Contrary to the Press Statement, Nadine remains an exclusive artist of VIVA as she has a valid and subsisting Management Contract.
“Under the law, Nadine cannot unilaterally withdraw from her contract with VIVA.
“Any dealings or professional engagements entered into by Nadine, without the consent or approval of VIVA constitutes breach of contract.
“VIVA shall initiate appropriate legal action against Nadine and/or third parties that directly deal with Nadine in contravention of Viva’s Management Contract.”
On Monday, the Kapunan & Castillo Law Offices informed the public of Nadine’s decision to terminate relations with VVA, adding she is now “self-managed and will continue to be so indefinitely.”
“She shall directly manage her affairs from now on, and bookings and inquiries may be directly addressed to her,” it said.
The development came only days after Nadine got embroiled in controversy following her breakup with actor James Reid, who also left Viva last year.
Kapunan made clear, “Nadine revoked her Agency and Management Contract with VAA, based on the concept of agency under the Civil Code. Her Exclusive Movie Contract, which is not with VAA but with Viva Communications, Inc., still subsists, subject to her right to refuse making movies.”
The same was echoed by Vic Del Rosario, head of Viva Communications, in a recent interview.
“Actually, may seven years pa siya(Nadine) under her contract with us so, kasama din doon ang ilang posibleng pelikula. Pero, of course, nasa kanya naman ‘yun kung gusto niyang gawin kasi ‘yung kontrata niya sa amin ay may right of refusal siya pag hindi niya gusto ang role.”
Nadine, 26, made it big vian the company’s 2014 hit romance flick “Diary ng Panget.”
