MANILA, Philippines — In a revelation that no one saw coming, actress and singer Ciara Sotto has finally opened up about her real relationship with controversial spiritual adviser James Jap, sending shockwaves across showbiz and religious circles alike.

The revelation, made during an emotionally charged exclusive interview, confirmed what fans have speculated for months — there was something real between them, something deeper than anyone imagined.

“Yes, there was something between us,” Ciara admitted, her voice trembling. “But it wasn’t what people think. And it wasn’t easy.”

😱 THE CONFESSION THAT SHOOK EVERYONE: “I Was Torn Between My Heart and My Faith”

Ciara’s revelation came during her guesting on a late-night tell-all show, where the host asked her point-blank about the swirling rumors involving her and James Jap.

What followed was a tearful but composed response.

“I kept quiet for so long because I didn’t want to hurt anyone,” Ciara said. “But I think it’s time people knew the truth. Yes, we were close. And yes… I loved him.”

The audience gasped. Social media exploded.

#CiaraSotto trended immediately on Twitter, with fans reacting in disbelief, support, and some — outrage.

“WAIT WHAT?! Ciara and Pastor James JAP?! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!” one tweet read.

🔥 THE UNLIKELY CONNECTION: How Did They Even Meet?

According to insiders, Ciara and James Jap met during a private spiritual retreat in 2022, where Ciara was undergoing a “healing journey” following personal issues.

What started as spiritual counseling allegedly evolved into something more personal and emotional.

“They connected on a deep level. James was someone she felt listened to her in ways others didn’t,” said a source close to Ciara. “But the line between adviser and something more… got blurry.”

The relationship was said to be kept extremely private — no photos, no public appearances, no confirmation — until now.

🧨 THE CONTROVERSY: Why This Revelation Is So Explosive

James Jap has long been a polarizing figure — a spiritual influencer with a massive following, often accused of manipulating vulnerable women under the guise of mentorship.

With Ciara Sotto’s confession, critics are once again raising questions:

Was there a power imbalance in their relationship?

Did James Jap cross boundaries as a spiritual adviser?

Was Ciara emotionally manipulated?

Human rights groups and women’s advocates are now calling for an investigation into Jap’s past “private counseling sessions” with female celebrities.

💬 CIARA SPEAKS OUT: “I Wasn’t Brainwashed. But I Was Vulnerable.”

In a statement released hours after the interview, Ciara clarified her stance:

“I want to make it clear — I was not forced into anything. I was vulnerable, yes. But I wasn’t brainwashed. What happened between us was complicated… and painful.”

She also revealed that they are no longer in contact, saying:

“I had to choose peace. And peace meant walking away.”

📣 PUBLIC REACTION: SUPPORT, DOUBT, AND SHOCK

Netizens remain divided:

Supporters are praising Ciara’s bravery for finally telling her side.

Skeptics question the timing of the confession.

Critics are calling for a formal inquiry into James Jap’s activities, particularly with other female followers.

Celebrity friends like Pops Fernandez and Zsa Zsa Padilla have expressed support on Instagram, commenting: “You’re strong, Ciara. Truth sets you free.”

⏳ WHAT’S NEXT? A STORM IS COMING

With this confession, doors have now opened for more women to speak out — and the pressure is mounting on James Jap to respond publicly.

Will this be the start of a bigger scandal? Will legal action follow? Or will the parties quietly move on?

For now, Ciara Sotto has said her piece — and the nation is left to unravel the truth from the silence that came before.

“I don’t regret loving,” she said at the end of her interview. “But I regret not seeing the signs sooner

James Yap Friend Speaks About Rumor Linking Him To Ciara Sotto

James Yap and Ciara Sotto are rumored to be in a romantic relationship with each other

A friend of basketball player-politician James Yap was asked about his rumored relationship with actress Ciara Sotto.

The rumor linking James and Ciara started circulating in 2022. Back then, the actress immediately debunked the rumor. At that time, the public knew that the basketball player was still with his ex-partner Michaela Cazzola.

Ciara said at that time that the rumor apparently started when she and James were seatmates at the birthday party of veteran showbiz personality Annabelle Rama. The actress did not want to be associate herself with someone who is already taken.

📷: PMM
However, rumors surfaced that James and Michael had already broken up. Just recently, the rumor linking James and Ciara resurfaced.

It was because of a post on Reddit claiming that it was already confirmed that James and Ciara are a couple. This garnered surprised reactions from netizens, while some were apprehensive about this.

In a recent article by entertainment writer Jun Lalin in Abante, he shared that he asked one of Jame Yap’s friends regarding the rumor.
📷: Newsko
That friend had no idea about the rumored relationship between James and Ciara. “Ni hindi pa raw kasi dinadala ni James sa isang bar na kasosyo ito si Ciara,” Lalin shared what the friend of James said.

With this, Lalin asked about the authenticity of the rumor on social media. He also said that they are waiting for James and Ciara to speak about this matter.

Ciara Sotto was previously married to businessman Jojo Oconer in 2010, and they have a son. They separated and Ciara confirmed their annulment in 2019. After that, she found love with Filipino-American Ian Austin but they broke up in 2021. From that, her love life became private