River Joseph may have gained a solid fanbase after his stint inside the Pinoy Big Brother house, but fame doesn’t always come without complications, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

In a recent interview on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, River opened up about the unexpected backlash his girlfriend Gela Alonte has received from some fans of the show. The issue? According to netizens, Gela is “too present” at PBB-related events and gatherings, with some expressing concern that she’s allegedly “stealing the spotlight” from the rising star.

“Gela is now becoming part of the conversation. In the comments, I’ve read that Gela is taking away the spotlight from River,” Boy Abunda pointed out, echoing the sentiments circulating online.

Despite the noise, River remained composed and firm in his support for Gela, whom he reunited with after four months of isolation inside the Big Brother house. For him, that long stretch of no contact proved just how strong their bond is.

“Of course, I’m super happy to be with her after four months inside,” River shared. “I feel like right now, we’re stronger than ever because we were able to withstand that four months of no communication. For me, that was even harder than a long-distance relationship.”

He admitted to being aware of the criticism hurled at his girlfriend, but he made it clear that their relationship stands on solid ground. “When I got out, I saw people commenting, bashing, but I just told her not to listen to them. You know what the truth is, and focus on what’s real.”

In fact, River revealed just how much he held on to their love during his time inside Kuya’s house. He never missed a single monthsary, marking it with quiet gestures that spoke volumes.

“Well, I put a number 12 on my tumbler. That’s our monthsary,” he disclosed, referring to his and Gela’s special date. “While I was inside the house, I also asked my sister if she could send flowers every time it’s our monthsary, just to remind her that I still love her.”

And while viewers saw River constantly surrounded by attractive housemates, Boy didn’t hold back in asking the question on everyone’s minds if he developed a crush on anyone.

“You were inside the house for almost four months. Even just a little, you didn’t get a crush on anyone? Gela, forgive Tito Boy,” the veteran host joked.

But River was quick to set the record straight: “No, Tito Boy, really none. I saw the other girl housemates like sisters too. That’s the kind of relationship I built with them inside the house.”

In an industry where romance can easily become tabloid fodder, River Joseph’s sincerity and loyalty shine through. And while fan culture can sometimes blur the lines between support and intrusion, River’s message is clear: their relationship is real, it’s private, and above all, unshaken.