Lea Salonga reveals separation from husband Robert Chien: 'I am happy he is happy'

Theater icon Lea Salonga confirmed that she and her former husband, Robert Chien, have long been separated but remain focused on their son Nic’s well-being. “We are both super busy, but thankfully the dad and the dad’s partner are the ones—if you have a cold, I’ll send you food. I will make sure you are well. It’s not a secret that we have been separated for a while. He is happy, and I am happy that he is happy,” she said during a media call for Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular in Parañaque City.

Salonga also spoke candidly about supporting her transgender son through his transition, emphasizing unconditional love. “To those who do not have kids, if you think you will not be able to love your child if they come out to you—if they say ‘Mom, I’m lesbian, bisexual, or trans,’ if under those conditions your love will stop. Do not have children. Save yourself the drama and heartbreak. If hindi mo kaya, wag na lang,” she said, adding that therapy and hormone treatment helped Nic feel at home in his body.

Despite public scrutiny, Salonga remained resolute in her parenting approach. “I am aware there are folks that will not understand or have a very negative opinion of the decisions we made for his health and his own navigation of the world as a trans man. My only thing is, I have to do what I need to do to help my child.”