Apparently, singer-actor James Reid and actress Issa Pressman are dating. It took a Harry Styles concert for the pair to become Instagram official, much to the dismay of James’ fans on social media. Why are local stans so angry, you ask? That’s because back in 2020, many speculated Issa was one of the reasons why James and actress Nadine Lustre broke up. Back then, James and Issa vehemently denied it all, but it looks like there may have been some truth to the rumors.

There’s history there

so na-gaslight tayong lahat sa “cheating issue” ni james reid with issa pressman before? omg, can’t believe they used nadine to save their asses. anglala. 😩 pic.twitter.com/xI9hktwCnj

— + (@jjsshahshwbs) March 16, 2023

Who can forget when James and Nadine split in January 2020? It sent local showbiz fans on a spiral, especially since they were a month shy of almost celebrating their fourth year together. Back then, whispers on the streets said it was allegedly because of a third party and many pointed fingers at Issa. Sleuths had “basis” too — a video of James and Issa allegedly kissing behind Nadine.

To silence the rumors, Nadine and Yassi Pressman, Issa’s sister, posted on Instagram to defend Issa against haters. “Hindi po papatol ang kapatid ko sa mga sinasabi ninyo,” she captioned, paired with a photo of her and Nadine having wine and seemingly shaking their heads at the rumors.

But it wasn’t enough for netizens to let go of it since Issa’s name landed on local Google’s #1 top-searched female personalities that year.

The present: James Reid and Issa Pressman are Instagram official

Fast forward to 2023, and it looks like sleuths were on to something with the James and Issa rumors. On March 16, the pair posted a Harry Styles concert photo dump on Instagram and launched their relationship online. They were singing together in a video, holding hands in one photo, and taking artsy snaps of each other in yet another shot. But sweet as that seems, the comments section was in a riot.

Fans are dismayed at James Reid and Issa Pressman

After James and Issa’s posts, curious fans were more than willing to dig up the past. “Di ba merong balita dati na si Issa Pressman daw ang dahilan ng break up ni Jadine? Parang totoo ah hehehe,” reads one top comment on James’ post.

“Super deny pa before and here they are. Instead of feeling hurt for Nadine I am feeling extra happy for her getting away from them. She deserves the peace and freedom,” said another.

Others are saying that even if James and Issa’s relationship did not start with the alleged third party, dating your friend’s ex is against the girl code. Issa was good friends with Nadine, who was best friends with her sister, Yassi.

Many also echoed the statement that time is the ultimate truth teller, pointing out that it’s the same thing that’s happened for other showbiz dramas like the Julia Barretto-Gerald Anderson-Bea Alonzo, Kylie Padilla-Aljur Abrenica-AJ Raval, and LJ Reyes-Paolo Contis-Yen Santos fiascos.

Meanwhile, some fans can’t help but compare the whole thing to the Selena Gomez-Justin Bieber-Hailey Bieber drama.

Nadine Lustre gets all the support

While James and Issa bear the brunt of netizens’ displeasure, many were obviously #TeamNadine. Fans praised her for choosing to defend James and Issa in the past.

“Proud of Nadine Lustre. She chose the good path. Never spoke bad about James or Issa. She trusted the truth and TIME revealed it all. Absolute queen,” praised one netizen.

“Suffered in silence. Healed in silence. Oh, the woman that you are,” said another.

Some JaDine fans have moved on

Meanwhile, others are defending the new couple online saying it’s about time everyone moved on. Even Nadine herself has already found a new love in businessman Christophe Bariou.

“Let’s be happy na lang po for them,” said one netizen under Issa’s IG post. “Tagal na rin naman walang gf si James and nagpapakasubsob siya sa work nang matagal na panahon deserve na din naman niya. Eh si Nadine 2021 pa lang may low-key bf nga.”

Is it a diversion from the Liza Sobrano issue?

There are layers to this drama, apparently. Aside from being aghast about the relationship reveal, folks are also wary that it’s a tactic to bury Liza Soberano’s issue once and for all. Liza, an artist under James’ label Careless, has been under fire for weeks now for her controversial “This is Me” vlog where she talked about leaving ABS-CBN.

What do you think about James Reid and Issa Pressman going Instagram official?

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