The Filipino entertainment scene is once again embroiled in a highly controversial discussion surrounding actor Enrique Gil, 33, after photos surfaced linking him to a young TikTok content creator, Andrea Brown. The circulating images and resulting speculation have ignited intense scrutiny from the public, primarily due to the significant age gap between the two and highly conflicting information regarding the influencer’s age, resurrecting uncomfortable questions about the actor’s past relationships.

The Viral Photos and Dating Speculation

The firestorm began when several pictures featuring Gil and Brown were shared widely online, with many interpreting them as evidence of a secret romantic rendezvous. The images, which reportedly show the pair in what observers describe as “intimate” or casual dating settings, suggested that the actor is open to finding love again following his high-profile breakup with long-time on-screen and off-screen partner, Liza Soberano.

One photo allegedly depicted Brown leaning on Gil’s shoulder while appearing to sit on his lap, leading many to believe the relationship is more than platonic. Further fueling the rumors, both Gil and Brown were discovered to be following each other on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, a digital breadcrumb that netizens quickly pounced upon as confirmation of a burgeoning connection.

The Heart of the Controversy: Conflicting Age Claims

The discussion quickly shifted from casual gossip to serious concern due to Brown’s apparent youth. Netizens noticed telling details in her past TikTok videos, including images that suggested she was still attending senior high school as recently as May of this year, and an ID layout referencing a school in Los Baños, Laguna. This led many to believe that the influencer is still legally a minor.

The online community’s digging soon unearthed highly contradictory claims:

Minor Status: One highly credible piece of evidence was a screenshot of a statement, allegedly from Brown’s mother, asserting unequivocally that her daughter is only 17 years old, making her a legal minor in the Philippines. Furthermore, Brown’s prior social media posts referenced attending a recognition day early this year, consistent with a senior high school student’s timeline.
“Not a Minor” Claim: Conversely, some netizens pointed to a bio on Brown’s TikTok account that explicitly states “NOT A MINOR.” Other speculation suggested she may have turned 18 in August.

Regardless of whether Brown has recently reached the legal age of majority, the core concern remains the nature of a relationship allegedly initiated when she was still 17, with Gil being 33 years old—a 16-year age difference.

The ‘Groomer’ Label and the Public Backlash

The substantial age gap and the timing of the alleged courtship—potentially beginning as early as June, when the influencer was still likely a minor—have provoked intense public anger and a torrent of negative comments.

Netizens didn’t mince words, directly questioning the actor’s judgment and behavior:

“There is no reason for a 30-something year old man to have a solo hangout with a minor.” “Minor or not, what does a 30-something have in common with a teenager? What are you going to talk about? TikTok reels? Sock-med?” “It’s so disgusting that at your age of 33 you’re pursuing a 17-year-old, a minor.”

The harshest criticism leveled against Gil is the use of the term “groomer.” This accusation stems from the perceived power imbalance inherent in such a large age gap, particularly when one party is a highly established celebrity and the other is a young, emerging online personality. The public expressed deep dismay that an adult would engage in a relationship where the other party is viewed as too immature to fully consent or be prepared for the complexities of dating a man years her senior.

Echoes of the Past: The Liza Soberano Connection

Adding complexity to the current controversy, many netizens have drawn parallels to Gil’s previous relationship with actress Liza Soberano. Following the confirmation of their separation after eight years, the public revisited the timeline of their coupling.

According to past accounts and statements from the former love team, Gil was reportedly pursuing Soberano when she was just 16 or 17 years old, while he was already 21. For many, this 5-to-6 year age difference at the beginning of their romance already raised ethical red flags, with some critics labeling it as questionable. The perception that Gil is now repeating this pattern with an even greater age disparity (16 years) has led to widespread frustration and a sense that the actor has failed to mature or adjust his relationship choices.

“They are consistent if this is true. She was literally in senior high. We are not surprised if this is true.”

Unconfirmed Rumors and Fan Defense

While the public discourse is heavily weighted with skepticism and disappointment, it is crucial to note that neither Enrique Gil nor Andrea Brown has issued an official statement to confirm or deny the dating rumors.

A small contingent of the actor’s fans has defended him, pointing out that the viral photos lack clear visual evidence—the man’s face is not fully visible, making the identity based purely on speculation. They argue that the entire controversy is built upon “speculation and no strong receipt [evidence].”

However, the persistent online chatter and alleged insider information continue to fuel the narrative. One user on X claimed that Gil and Brown had been communicating since June, meeting regularly, and recently had a staycation at a resort in Batangas, allegedly paid for entirely by the actor. This source further claimed that Gil had even offered Brown a role in a project he is producing, adding another layer of the power dynamic to the public’s concern.

The Unanswered Questions

The situation remains unresolved, leaving several critical questions hanging in the air:

Andrea Brown’s True Age: What is her definitive, legal age, and when did the relationship allegedly begin?
Parental Knowledge: What is the reaction or stance of Andrea Brown’s parents regarding her highly publicized association with the 33-year-old actor?
Gil’s Silence: Why has Enrique Gil remained silent in the face of such damaging, public allegations that directly affect his reputation and career?

For now, the actor’s fans can only hope he finds a suitable partner and moves on from the heartbreak of his previous relationship, urging him to avoid linking himself to much younger individuals to prevent further judgment. Until a clear statement is released, the public’s negative reaction to the alleged relationship between the 33-year-old star and the young content creator will likely continue to dominate social media.