Showbiz Tsismis: Kim Chiu stays private

Kim Chiu has started the year on the wrong foot. At a press conference for her movie, Bride for Rent, when asked about the real score on her relationship with co-star Xiam Lim she answered brashly, saying she doesn’t owe the media any explanation. This drew the ire not just of the journalists, but also the general public. The beleaguered star admits losing sleep over the incident. She tells tabloid! how she’s coping with the criticism and how she intends to repair her tarnished image.

People were shocked at the interview, which has gone viral over social media. You yourself admitted to losing sleep over it. How are you now?

I’m staying strong, thanks to my family, friends and loyal supporters. They understand what I meant, and know that I am still the same person that they knew even before that “shocking” interview.

Do you still feel that celebrities should keep their private lives away from the media?

I know that being celebrities we are public properties. But I also think that we deserve some privacy. There are just things about our lives that we do not have to share. I think it is still our choice to divulge aspects of our private lives, but until we open on our own, I think we deserve some space — from the media and our fans.

Looking back how would you have answered the question?

I would have said the same thing, only in a different way. I apologise to the media who felt offended, but my stand remains the same. But I will say it in a much more calculated way — not offend any sensibilities. I also answered that way because they said they wanted a more definite response, and that they would respect whatever my answer was. So I thought they would be okay with it.

So what do you think went wrong?

I guess they’re not used to me being very straightforward. I am can be sweet, but I also can be very honest with my feelings. I don’t see anything wrong with that; I would rather be honest, than keep on lying about my affairs.

So there is really nothing going on with you and Xian Lim?

We are friends and we are special to each other. There is nothing more than that. When we have something more than that, we would be happy to announce. It is something to be shared with the rest of the world if you are happy.