Benjie Paras on Past Rift with Ex-Wife Jackie Forster: “Jackie is a Bad Person. She Abandoned the Children”
In the years following his divorce from Jackie Forster, former basketball star and actor Benjie Paras has been open about his frustrations regarding their co-parenting situation and the effects it had on their children, Kobe and Andre Paras.
In past interviews, Benjie expressed that he felt Jackie had “abandoned” their children during a critical time in their lives. This sentiment led him to take on the role of a single parent, dedicating himself to raising their two sons largely on his own.
Benjie’s remarks reflected the pain and anger he felt toward Jackie, whom he accused of neglecting the boys’ needs and being absent when they needed her most.
For years, Benjie avoided discussing the details publicly to protect the privacy of his family, but he eventually opened up about his struggles in raising Kobe and Andre without Jackie’s presence. His focus was to provide stability and consistency, which he felt was essential for their emotional well-being.
Jackie, meanwhile, has shared her own side of the story, insisting that she never abandoned her children and has always loved them deeply.
She has publicly expressed regret about the separation and has said that there were circumstances that contributed to her being apart from her children, which she has since attempted to repair. In recent years, she has made repeated efforts to reconnect with Kobe and Andre, expressing her desire to be a part of their lives.
Over time, the family has taken strides toward healing. Kobe and Andre, now adults, have gradually rekindled their relationship with their mother, showing that forgiveness and understanding can sometimes bridge even the widest gaps.
While Benjie’s past statements reveal the hurt that complicated their family’s history, the renewed connections among the family members highlight the possibility of reconciliation and growth.
Today, the Paras family’s journey stands as a reminder of the challenges that come with divorce and the complexities of parental estrangement, but it also illustrates the resilience of family bonds.