For over a decade, Kris Aquino has been a fixture in the Filipino entertainment world. Dubbed the “Queen of All Media,” she has remained a prominent figure not only because of her illustrious career but also because of the intense public interest in her personal life. In recent years, however, that interest has shifted from her on-screen roles to her off-screen struggles — particularly her ongoing battle with multiple autoimmune diseases.

Now, the conversation has taken an even more controversial turn, as viral posts and gossip columns suggest that Aquino may have been a victim of “kulam” — a Filipino term for witchcraft or a form of black magic. These claims have set social media ablaze, with the hashtag #KrisAquino even trending once again. But is there any truth to the rumors, or are they simply baseless speculations fueled by fear and mystery?

A Long Road of Health Struggles

Kris Aquino has been publicly open about her declining health. In 2018, she began revealing details about her medical condition, which initially started with chronic spontaneous urticaria — a condition that causes severe hives and allergic reactions. Over time, her health deteriorated further. By early 2025, Kris had been diagnosed with nine autoimmune disorders, including lupus-like symptoms, autoimmune thyroiditis, and most recently, fibromyalgia — a chronic illness marked by widespread pain, fatigue, and emotional distress.

These conditions forced her to seek treatment abroad. Kris moved to the United States in 2022 in search of better medical care, undergoing multiple tests and treatments. Despite this, her health remained unstable. In her latest updates, she admitted to experiencing daily pain and emotional strain, but also thanked her sons Josh and Bimby for giving her strength to keep fighting.

As her health grew worse and medical professionals struggled to find consistent treatments, theories emerged suggesting supernatural causes. One of the most popular — and bizarre — claims is that Kris Aquino had been a victim of “kulam.” In Philippine folklore, “kulam” is a form of witchcraft practiced to bring misfortune, pain, or even illness upon someone through spells or rituals.

These theories gained momentum after several social media personalities and online channels claimed to have “insider information” that a former associate of Aquino had cursed her out of envy or revenge. One TikTok video, viewed over 2 million times, claimed, “She was hexed — the doctors can’t explain it, but the symptoms speak for themselves.”

The identity of the alleged perpetrator was not officially confirmed, but the posts speculated on people from Kris’s past — from former lovers to political rivals — with no credible evidence. The narrative quickly evolved into wild conspiracies that spread like wildfire on Facebook and YouTube, sparking heated debates.

Tarot reader and spiritual practitioner Jovi Vargas responded directly to the growing rumors. In an interview, he firmly stated that Kris Aquino’s condition had no links to black magic or witchcraft.

“I looked at her energy through my cards and aura readings. What she’s going through is physical and medical — not supernatural,” Vargas said. “These claims are dangerous because they draw attention away from the real issue, which is her medical treatment and mental well-being.”

Similarly, showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin criticized the public for entertaining such ideas. “We should not be treating serious health issues as tabloid material,” she said on her show. “Kris deserves compassion, not superstition.”

Even Kris herself addressed the rumors in one of her Instagram posts. “Please stop spreading lies,” she wrote. “If someone really cursed me, then God is still more powerful than any dark force. But what I have are diagnosed, real illnesses. My doctors have names for them — not spells.”

These rumors, while sensational, point to a broader issue: the prevalence of misinformation in the digital age. When influential figures like Kris Aquino fall ill, the vacuum left by limited medical explanations is often filled with conspiracy theories, fake news, or spiritual interpretations.

Experts warn that this can be harmful, especially when it affects the decisions of vulnerable individuals who might turn to unproven or even dangerous alternative remedies. It also perpetuates stigma against those suffering from invisible illnesses like autoimmune disorders, which often go misunderstood.

“By attributing medical conditions to ‘kulam,’ we risk invalidating the experiences of people living with chronic illnesses,” said Dr. Aileen Santos, a psychologist specializing in trauma and health anxiety. “It can lead to shame, isolation, or even reluctance to seek medical help.”

Despite the swirling gossip, Kris Aquino continues to fight her battle with grace and determination. In her most recent update, she said she remains focused on her treatments, undergoing regular bloodwork and immune therapy in the U.S. She thanked her loyal supporters and reiterated her hope to return home once her condition stabilizes.

“God is not done with me yet,” she wrote. “There are still things I need to do, people I want to love, and stories I want to tell. I’m not giving up.”

As for the rumors? Kris seems unbothered. She ended her statement with characteristic wit: “If someone really did curse me, I hope they’re watching — because I’m still standing.”

The viral claim that someone used “kulam” on Kris Aquino may make for a dramatic headline, but it does little to reflect the reality of her condition. While such stories reveal the enduring belief in folk magic in Filipino culture, they also remind us of the importance of discernment, empathy, and scientific truth.

In the end, Kris Aquino’s story is not about spells or curses — it’s about a woman facing unthinkable challenges with courage, vulnerability, and the enduring hope that better days are still ahead.

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