Leon Barretto’s seemingly cold and tense relationship with his father, Dennis Padilla, is currently the talk of social media. According to some netizens and followers of the Barretto family, there seem to be signs that Leon could be like his father in terms of a “strained relationship” — but in a different way: as a son who is distancing himself from his father.

Ever since the issue of Leon’s parents’ separation broke, the long-standing rift between him and Dennis has been no secret to the public. Leon himself previously expressed his frustration on social media, where he mentioned the “emotional toll” of being the son of a showbiz personality who, according to him, sometimes prioritizes publicity over private conversations.

Now, many are asking — where is the respect? Where is the patience as a son?

Some netizens are saying, “Even though we don’t know the whole story, we should still know how to respect our parents.” Some also defended Leon, saying “we don’t know how much the child was hurt by the father’s actions. Not all wounds are visible.”

But the conversation became even more heated when an entertainment insider said that some members of the Barretto family are worried about the direction of Leon’s feelings. “There is a fear that the day may come, if things are not resolved, that he will be the one to bring anger or resentment to his own child one day — like what happened to him and Dennis.”

Dennis Padilla, in several interviews, has repeatedly expressed his desire to make amends and rebuild his relationship with his children. But it seems that the road is getting harder as time passes and the conflict deepens.

The question now is: In the midst of the feud, is there still hope for reconciliation? Or is this the beginning of a history repeating itself — from father to son?

Leon Barretto Defends Sisters in Dad’s Dispute
Dennis Padilla airs his side of the story. Leon Barretto, 21, spoke out about his past posting of an open letter to his father Dennis Padilla regarding their father’s dispute.

In 2022, Leon took to Instagram to express his feelings regarding Dennis’ frequent postings on social media of his grievances towards his children Julia Barretto, Claudia Barretto, and Leon.

Julia, Claudia, and Leon are Dennis’ children from his ex-wife Marjorie Barretto.

Due to Dennis’ public outbursts towards his three children, the siblings have come under heavy criticism because they are allegedly scolding their father.

Leon previously released an open letter to his father Dennis as “stepping up to protect my sisters.”

Leon’s open letter drew attention because Julia is usually the one who reacts, as is their mother, when it comes to Dennis.

During her and sister Julia’s guest appearance on the ABS-CBN morning show Magandang Buhay this Friday, April 19, 2024, Leon was asked about his Instagram post about his father. Leon explained what he did, “As the only boy in the house, I felt like it was my job also to stand up for my sisters, because my sisters really don’t want issues.

“At the end of the day, they just really want peace.

“But I feel like sometimes you just have to stand up for yourself, but I wanted to do that for them.”

Julia also reacted to her younger brother Leon’s defense.

Julia said, “Grateful, of course. Because I feel like all throughout, it seems like no one has been a protector for me.

“So, technically, it seems that was the first time somebody stood up for me and it was Leon.

“I did not expect ever in my life that it would be my younger brother.

“Well, he’s getting bigger, so he’s becoming more protective of girls. He’s the only boy.LEON’S OPEN LETTER TO DENNIS IN 2022
June 26, 2022 when Leon posted his open letter on Instagram.

This is the young man’s response to his father Dennis’ IG post that seemed to chastise the three siblings for not wishing their father “Happy Father’s Day.”

Dennis’s posts like this result in netizens commenting and criticizing and criticizing Julia, Claudia, and Dennis.

In his open letter, Leon expressed his grievance.

Part of his post, “Papa, why does it seem like you enjoy hurting your kids in public?

“Why do you keep posting cryptic posts about us and allow people to bash us on your own Instagram page?

“Do you think it doesn’t hurt all of us not to feel protected by their own father?

“It’s not that we don’t want to talk to you, but the few times that we do to resolve the issues, you communicate by shouting, cursing, and using hurtful words that traumatize us.”

Leon asked the father: “Is public sympathy really more important to you than your own children?

“Your words have the power to destroy your children, father.”

“It’s exhausting, papa. As the only man in the family, this is me stepping up to protect my sisters.

“I need you to know that I want nothing else but to move forward in the safest and healthiest manner possible. I want peace, papa.”

Leon further complained that what Dennis is doing is slandering his sisters who do not speak out against their father.

Leon said in the letter, “For years I watched my sisters get torn into pieces because of your false narratives and not once did they explain their side nor speak negatively about you in public.”

DENNIS’ SIDE OF THE STORY
Dennis discussed this issue when he was interviewed by veteran entertainment writer Aster Amoyo on his YouTube vlog on April 12, 2024.

Dennis explained in the interview that he used to miss his growing children who he hadn’t seen for a long time.

Dennis said that he hadn’t seen Marjorie’s children for about four or five years.

According to the actor, “When I saw them growing up, of course, that was the part where I wanted to see them or be with them that I didn’t have the opportunity to.”

He said posting on social media was the way he thought of to get his messages to his children on special occasions.

“I just wanted to get to know them on these special days,” Dennis reasoned.

However, this was magnified due to criticism from netizens.

Dennis said he came to his senses when Leon released an open letter.

Dennis said, “That’s when I realized, that’s what happened, I always posted pictures of them, and then I vented my angst.

“So, I removed that. I don’t do that anymore.

“I only post on social media when I want to greet them happy birthday, Merry Christmas.

“It seems like that’s my only way to reach out to them.”

Meanwhile, Dennis mentioned that he received a birthday greeting from Julia just before February 9, 2024.

Julia used her old phone number.

Just before April 2, Dennis wished Leon a happy birthday via social media. Leon replied and thanked him.