Julia Montes and Coco Martin. Image: Instagram/@cocomartin_ph

Julia Montes addressed the rumors linking her and boyfriend Coco Martin to a supposed love child, Zia Grace, the child star from the former’s drama series “Saving Grace.”

Montes set the record straight during a recent interview with broadcast journalist Karen Davila, saying she is aware of the rumors that she said are not true.

“Zia, when you look at her, she has the same features as Coco. So even we, when we talk, agree that Zia could be mistaken for our child because of the resemblance. But no, she is not our daughter. Zia has parents of her own,” she said in Tagalog.

Montes emphasized that it is not “fair” for Zia’s parents to be caught up in a controversy, especially since the child star is just starting in the industry.

“It’s pitiful for her parents. It’s overwhelming. But Zia is happy because we often joke about taking her home with me. Then she will say, ‘Yes, I will come.’ So we really do have a special relationship,” said the actress.

When asked if she and Martin want kids of their own, the actress happily said, “Yes, of course. That’s the happiness in life, family life.”

In July 2024, TV host Willie Revillame had an apparent slip of the tongue after he thanked the couple and their “children” on his new show “Wil to Win.”

“To Coco, Julia, and your children, family, thank you, Coco, because during the Holy Week, we were together,” Revillame said at the time, which caught the attention of many netizens.

Martin and Montes have yet to address Revillame’s past remarks.

Martin also sent their fans abuzz after he addressed Montes as “Nanay” at the premiere night of her Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) film “Topakk” late last year.

Montes and Martin have always remained private about their relationship, although the “Batang Quiapo” star confirmed his 12-year relationship with the actress back in May 2023, putting an end to the longstanding rumors about their status.