Sexy actress and social media sensation Ivana Alawi drew public attention following a serious complaint filed by Dominique “Nicky” Lopez-Benitez, the wife of billionaire Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez.

Based on social media posts, Nicky accused her husband of violating the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, citing emotional and psychological abuse allegedly stemming from his extramarital affairs — particularly with Ivana Alawi.

Nicky claimed that Albee’s infidelity caused her severe mental and emotional distress. For years, she had suspected that Albee was unfaithful, but lacked solid proof — until she filed a petition to nullify their marriage, which is still pending.

In the legal documents, Albee allegedly admitted to fathering two children outside their marriage and subtly hinted that he is currently in a relationship with Ivana. For Nicky, this confirmed her long-standing fears and left her feeling deeply betrayed.

None of the involved parties have officially commented yet on the growing scandal, which has shaken high society, corporate circles, and political enclaves.

Back in 2024, rumors about Ivana Alawi and Mayor Albee Benitez began to circulate. In a showbiz segment, veteran host Cristy Fermin shared that she had fresh gossip about Ivana and Mayor Albee. Cristy noted that the people involved in the issue were free to deny or confirm it — and if they chose to tell the truth, she thanked them in advance.

According to her source, Ivana owns a house in Ayala Alabang. Cristy added that the Ayala Alabang mansion is worth ₱400 million. She then asked why Mayor Albee Benitez’s name kept being associated with the ₱400 million mansion.

Cristy further stated that the property is under Ivana’s name, and that Ivana and Mayor Albee were spotted together in the U.S. during the Christmas season.

In February of the previous year, Mayor Albee publicly apologized after photos of him and Ivana at a Japanese airport surfaced online. According to a report by Ogie Diaz on his YouTube channel, Mayor Albee explained:

“I went there on a business trip as stated in my official travel order,” said Mayor Albee in his statement. “Speculations involving Miss Ivana Alawi are untrue and only serve to put malice into what was clearly a chance encounter. I apologize to Miss Alawi and her family, who have been unfairly dragged into issues concerning my private life.”