Nadine Lustre seeks legal action vs online attacks under ‘Safe Spaces Act’

Nadine Lustre is pursuing legal action under the “Safe Spaces Act” after facing a series of “relentless and malicious” attacks on social media.

In a statement released on X, former senator and incoming ML Partylist Representative Leila de Lima has expressed her full support for Lustre’s decision to pursue legal action, calling it a “necessary step” in the ongoing fight against online abuse and disinformation.

“We at ML Partylist express full support for Nadine Lustre as she files a complaint for violation of the Safe Spaces Act in response to the relentless and malicious attacks she has endured,” De Lima’s statement began.

“This is a necessary step in a time when social media is being used to silence voices that speak for justice and reform. Ginagamit ang mga plataporma para buwagin ang makabuluhang diskurso at palitan ito ng galit at paninira,” it stressed.

According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), “Safe Spaces Act” or “Bawal Bastos Law” covers all types of gender-based sexual harassment occurring in public areas, institutions, workplaces, and digital platforms. It ensures protection for individuals of all genders against behaviors such as catcalling, stalking, indecent comments, and online harassment.

De Lima reiterated the importance of responsible freedom of expression, warning that such right becomes “dangerous when fueled by disinformation and personal malice.”

“Ang kalayaang ito ay hindi dapat gamitin laban sa katotohanan, dignidad, at demokrasya. […] Marami sa mga lumalabas sa social media ngayon ay hindi maituturing na opinyon. These are part of deliberate effort to harass, discredit, and instill fear. May masamang intensyon. May malinaw na layunin na patahimikin ang mga tumitindig.”

De Lima ended her statement by commending Lustre for her courage, saying, “We support Nadine. Her case is a stand for truth and accountability. Make no mistake: we will push back against this kind of behavior. Hindi ito katanggap-tanggap. Hindi ito dapat palampasin.”

“Maraming salamat, Nadine, sa tapang at paninindigan. Sa bawat hakbang mo, mas lumalakas ang laban para sa isang makatao, makatarungan, at demokratikong lipunan,” she added.

Lustre, a vocal supporter of ML Partylist during the 2025 midterm elections, has yet to publicly comment on the complaint, as of writing.

Last March, it can be recalled that the actress and her partner Christophe Bariou previously called out an offensive remark from an online basher who commented it on the couple’s photo.