40 years later, the ghost of a scandal returns… and the timing couldn’t be more suspicious.

When Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon—collectively known as TVJ—announced their explosive resignation from TAPE Inc. on May 31, 2023, many thought it was just the latest twist in showbiz politics. But eagle-eyed netizens quickly noticed something chilling: that exact date also marked the 38th death anniversary of Pepsi Paloma.

Suddenly, what seemed like a standard exit became a viral whirlwind of questions, theories, and decades-old wounds.

👀 A Haunting Parallel

Pepsi Paloma, the young actress whose tragic story has never quite left the public conscience, died by suicide in 1985—after accusing three well-known comedians, including Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, of sexual assault. The case was dropped under controversial circumstances, but it’s never been forgotten.

So when TVJ’s split from Eat Bulaga’s longtime producer happened on the exact same day, the internet exploded.

“Is this poetic justice? A final act of closure? Or something more?” asked one netizen.

📢 The Internet Reacts

X (Twitter), TikTok, and forums were ablaze with speculation. Comments ranged from eerie chills to outright accusations:

“Pepsi Paloma died May 31, 1985. TVJ leaves May 31, 2023. That can’t just be random.”

“After decades of silence, is this their quiet way of turning the page?”

“If this was unintentional, it’s the most haunting coincidence in Philippine showbiz history.”

While no concrete link has been confirmed, the timing alone was enough to awaken long-buried questions.

⚖️ What We Know—And What We Still Don’t

There is no official statement connecting TVJ’s exit with Paloma’s death. Most reports point to creative and management conflicts within TAPE Inc. as the driving force.

Still, the symbolism of May 31 didn’t go unnoticed.

Even though Vic Sotto has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in the past, the case continues to cast a long shadow over their legacy. And with their sudden departure happening exactly 38 years later, people are once again revisiting one of Philippine showbiz’s darkest and most unresolved chapters.

What a strange coincidence. Netizens noticed that TVJ’s resignation coincided with the day Pepsi Paloma passed away. What is the real reason?

Coincidence? Netizen notice that TVJ’s resignation is the same day of Pepsi Paloma’s passing

While thousands of netizens are discussing the resignation of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon to Tape Inc. a Twitter user pointed out a coincidence about the date of the departure of the legendary trio.

In a Twitter post, netizen @mark_taimiklang noticed that the announcement of TVJ has the same date as the passing of former actress Pepsi Paloma who passed away on May 31, 1985.

“Coincidence?” the netizen asked.

Aside from Mark, some netizens also celebrated the departure of TVJ, mentioning the case of Pepsi.

It can be remembered that Vic, Joey, and Richie D’Horsie have been accused by the actress of allegedly taking her to a room with the three and made unimaginable things to her.

We hope that you will not allow the error we have committed against you to stand as a stumbling block to that future which we all look forward to. We, therefore, ask you to find it in your heart to pardon us for the wrong which we have done against you.” according to the report.

Pepsi did not pursue the case against the three.

In 1985, Pepsi was found lifeless inside her apartment, citing several personal problems.

Tito believed that Pepsi only accused Vic, Joey, and Richie to gain publicity.

The discussion about the case has been revived after legendary OPM band Eraserheads released the song ‘Spoliarium’ which fueled an urban myth