Ian de Leon Breaks Silence: Denies Surgery Connection to Nora Aunor’s Passing

On April 16, 2025, the Philippine entertainment industry was rocked by the passing of Nora Aunor, a beloved actress and singer, at the age of 71. Her death, attributed to acute respiratory failure following an angioplasty, was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike. However, recent rumors have surfaced suggesting a possible link between a past surgical procedure and her untimely demise.

In 2010, Aunor underwent a cosmetic surgery in Japan, which she later claimed resulted in complications that affected her vocal cords, leading to a loss of her singing voice. She expressed deep regret over the incident, stating that it felt intentional, as if the procedure was meant to ruin her voice. Despite this, there was no official confirmation that the surgery had any direct connection to her death.

Following her passing, some media outlets and social media users began to speculate about a potential link between the 2010 surgery and her death. These speculations were fueled by the fact that Aunor had suffered complications from the procedure years earlier. However, there was no concrete evidence to support these claims.

Ian de Leon, Aunor’s son, recently addressed these rumors in a public statement. He emphatically denied any connection between his mother’s past surgery and her death, stating, “There is no truth to the rumors linking my mother’s surgery to her passing. She died of acute respiratory failure, and any other claims are baseless.” He further expressed his frustration with the spread of misinformation during such a sensitive time.

The family has requested privacy as they mourn their loss and have asked the public to refrain from spreading unverified information. They emphasized the importance of respecting their mother’s legacy and focusing on the positive impact she had on the entertainment industry.

Nora Aunor’s death marks the end of an era in Philippine cinema. Her contributions to the arts were immeasurable, and her influence continues to inspire future generations of artists. As the industry and her fans grieve, the family hopes to honor her memory by celebrating her life and work, rather than dwelling on unfounded rumors.