Confirming the months-long alleged rift between the siblings.
On Tuesday, December 2, actress-TV host Kim Chiu was accompanied by her legal team, sister Twinkle, and her brother-in-law, as she filed her qualified theft complaint against her sister, Lakambini Chiu, before the Quezon City Office of the Assistant City Prosecutor.
According to her legal counsel Atty. Xylene Dolor, the Kapamilya star pressed the criminal charges against her sister after discovering financial discrepancies in their business, which was unnamed.
“Today, nag-file si Kim ng criminal case against Lakambini Chiu. We filed a criminal complaint for qualified theft. That’s all we can share for now,” with Dolor confirming that the lawsuit only covers the current fiscal year, 2025.
Moreover, the filing comes after efforts were made to sort out the problem internally, although it was not resolved.
Meanwhile, the actress-TV host has also issued her own statement to ABS-CBN News.
She wrote, “I am issuing this statement with a heavy heart and with deep respect for the truth and for the people who have supported me throughout my career and my business journey.”
“After careful consideration and months of internal review, I have made the difficult decision to file a legal case for qualified theft against my sister, Lakambini Chiu, in relation to serious financial discrepancies discovered within my business operations. This decision did not come easily. It is one of the most painful steps I have ever taken in my life,” she continued.
Kim also said that discoveries on the loss of substantial amounts connected to her business assets prompted her to take legal action.
“As many know, I built my business ventures — with hard work, passion, and trust in the people I love. Unfortunately, substantial amounts connected to my business assets were found missing. These discoveries forced me to take formal action to protect not just my company, but also the livelihoods of the people who work with me and the integrity of everything I have built.“
She also stated that the legal process is also one that she is not only doing for herself, but also for the brand and community that supported her over the years.
“This is a private family matter that has now become a legal process. I am choosing transparency, responsibility, and accountability —not only for myself, but also for the brand and community that has supported me from the beginning.“
In the last few paragraphs, she requested for understanding and respect as their family navigates through this “difficult chapter.”
“I am hopeful that through the proper legal channels, clarity and fairness will prevail,” she added.
“Despite this painful situation, I remain committed to my work, my supporters, and the continued growth of my business ventures. I also continue to pray for healing and resolution for everyone involved. Thank you for your support, compassion, and respect during this time,” the statement concluded.
Rumors about the rift between the sisters circulated a few months back after eagle-eyed netizens on social media spotted that Kim and Lakambini stopped following each other on Instagram.
Both of them remained mum on the issue, although they were not spotted together in public since then.