A Chilling Coincidence? TVJ’s Resignation and Pepsi Paloma’s Death Anniversary Stir Netizens’ Suspicions

In a turn of events that shocked fans and media watchers alike, the legendary trio Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon—collectively known as TVJ—announced their official resignation from “Eat Bulaga!” on May 31, 2023. This marked the end of their decades-long association with the iconic Philippine noontime show that helped shape the country’s entertainment landscape for over 40 years.

But what struck netizens as more than just a routine corporate shift was a detail that sent chills down many spines: the resignation occurred exactly on the anniversary of Pepsi Paloma’s tragic death—May 31, 1985.

Who Was Pepsi Paloma?

Pepsi Paloma was a rising young star during the 1980s and was part of a group of actresses dubbed the “Softdrink Beauties.” But her career came to an abrupt and tragic end when she was found dead at just 17 years old in an apparent suicide. The official reports cited suicide by hanging, but the circumstances surrounding her death have long been subject to public doubt and speculation.

Before her untimely death, Paloma had accused Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Richie D’Horsie of raping her in a hotel room in 1982. The charges were eventually dropped, allegedly after a public apology and a supposed out-of-court settlement, but the controversy has never fully disappeared from the public consciousness.

The Internet Reacts

The moment netizens realized the date of TVJ’s resignation matched Paloma’s death anniversary, online discussions exploded. Many questioned whether the timing was intentional, symbolic, or simply a strange coincidence.

Was it a quiet nod to a dark chapter in their past? Or was it simply an unfortunate overlap that social media quickly weaponized into a narrative?

Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook were flooded with posts expressing shock, confusion, and suspicion. Some users pointed to the possibility of unresolved guilt, while others cautioned against jumping to conclusions without evidence.

“It’s almost poetic… or haunting,” one user wrote.
“This date isn’t just a coincidence. There’s something they’re not telling us,” another commented.

Public Figures Respond

Neither Vic Sotto nor Joey de Leon have made any public statements regarding the timing of their resignation relative to Paloma’s death. Tito Sotto, who has previously defended his brother and co-hosts in connection to the 1982 case, also remained silent on the matter as of this writing.

Critics argue that if the timing was deliberate, it shows a disturbing insensitivity. Others argue that bringing up a decades-old case—especially one without legal resolution—only fuels online mob justice.

Is There a Deeper Meaning?

Despite the theories and mounting interest, no verified source has confirmed any connection between TVJ’s resignation and Pepsi Paloma’s death anniversary. Still, the power of symbolism cannot be denied. Whether intentional or not, the overlap of these two events is undeniably eerie.

For some, it has reopened a painful wound—reminding the public of a young woman whose voice may have been silenced far too soon. For others, it is a cautionary tale about how unresolved allegations can echo across generations.

Conclusion

As of now, the timing of TVJ’s resignation remains officially unconnected to the tragic history of Pepsi Paloma. But the emotional and symbolic weight of the date has reignited conversations that have never truly faded. In the digital age, coincidences are rarely left unexamined—and this one, in particular, has sparked a renewed interest in the shadows that continue to linger behind showbiz’s brightest lights.