The love life of actor-singer James Reid is once again dominating online discussions, fueled by his staunch public defense of current girlfriend, Issa Pressman, against persistent criticism from fans of his previous love team with Nadine Lustre, collectively known as JaDine. The dramatic online confrontation has brought the long-simmering love triangle controversy back to the forefront, pitting a new romance against the lingering shadow of one of the Philippines’ most beloved celebrity couples.
James Reid’s TikTok Stand and the JaDine Backlash
The recent wave of controversy began with a TikTok post by James Reid. The actor shared a photo capturing a sweet moment with Issa Pressman, accompanied by a direct and pointed message aimed at their persistent critics:
“So many bitter people that can’t stand to see me this happy. I hope all of you find love like I did that inspires you and gives you a reason to be your best self.”
He further shared another photo of them together in the comment section of the post.
James revealed that their posts are frequently bombarded with comments featuring old pictures of him and his ex-girlfriend, Nadine Lustre, or messages from fans clearly indicating their preference for the former love team. Comments often read, “We prefer Nadine,” or accuse Issa of being the obstacle to a JaDine reunion.
Unwilling to back down, James directly engaged the critics in the comments section. When met with fan photos of him and Nadine, James shot back: “You’re the ones who are jealous sending those pictures. Think about it.” When one netizen questioned whether Issa could even sleep amidst the barrage of negative comments, James delivered a definitive reply: “Yes, she sleeps very well right next to me.”
The actor’s forceful defense sparked an immediate and overwhelming response, mostly from outraged JaDine fans. The sheer volume and nature of the replies led many fans to speculate that it wasn’t James responding, but possibly Issa herself, doubting that the typically “nonchalant” James would be so easily triggered. The relentless commenting eventually forced James to turn off the comment section entirely.
Undeterred, the JaDine fandom pivoted, flooding Nadine Lustre’s Instagram account with comments, reporting on the exchange with James and Issa.
The Third-Party Allegations and Years of Denial
The roots of this heated public battle trace back to the breakup of the highly popular JaDine couple in January 2020. Shortly after, rumors quickly spread, heavily implicating Issa Pressman as the third party responsible for the split.
James and Issa have a long-standing friendship and professional relationship within the entertainment and creative industry; James as a singer, actor, and producer, and Issa as a visual artist, model, and performer. The dating rumors gained traction when old photos of James and Issa attending events together resurfaced online and were used by netizens as “proof” of an affair. This led to intense online bashing directed at Issa.
Initially, Issa maintained silence, but later posted messages hinting at her desire for peace and respect. Her sister, Yassi Pressman, also publicly denied the accusations and pleaded with the public to stop the judgment.
Both James and Issa have consistently and unequivocally denied the third-party claims. James clarified in an interview: “Issa was not the reason that I broke up with Nadine Lustre.” Issa also maintained that the rumors were false.
Going Public and the Relationship’s Strength
The couple officially went public with their romance in March 2023 when James posted photos of them holding hands on Instagram, seemingly clarifying their status. This confirmation was met with a significant backlash, particularly from Nadine’s loyal fans, who continued to label Issa as the third party.
Despite the criticism, the couple became increasingly visible, making public appearances together, including their first major outing at the Preview Ball 2023, where they arrived in matching black outfits. Observers noted their genuine sweetness and relaxed demeanor in each other’s presence.
While their relationship appeared solid, a momentary lapse occurred in November 2023 when eagle-eyed netizens noticed that James and Issa had unfollowed each other on Instagram, sparking rumors of a breakup. James, however, quickly dismissed it as an accident.
For years, critics and showbiz observers have questioned the authenticity of the romance, speculating it might be a “promotional stunt” to boost their creative careers or bolster James’s label, Careless Music.
The Continuing Shadow of JaDine
Even years after the breakup, the JaDine relationship remains a painful memory for a significant portion of their fanbase. Every new post by James and Issa is met with comparisons to his past with Nadine. Many JaDine supporters are unable to move on, seeing Issa as a replacement and viewing the new relationship as an act of “betrayal” against Nadine, particularly given the former public friendship among the three.
In a recent development in September 2024, Nadine was reported to have unfollowed both James and Issa on Instagram, further signaling a definitive end to their connection. James has been the more vocal of the two, frequently speaking out about the third-party issue and consistently defending Issa against public attacks.
In the current social media frenzy, the James-Issa-Nadine love triangle has once again been reignited by James’s protective and outspoken comments. However, the couple remains resilient against the continuous torrent of public criticism. Issa Pressman, for her part, has largely maintained a quiet resolve, focusing on her upcoming song release scheduled for October 22.
The debate rages on: Is James Reid’s fierce defense of Issa Pressman a sign of true, committed love, or is it merely fuel for a fire that the JaDine fandom refuses to let die? The comments section, or what’s left of it, remains the battleground for this modern celebrity saga.