LEA SALONGA CONFIRMS SEPARATION FROM HUSBAND ROBERT CHIEN

BROADWAY icon Lea Salonga has confirmed that she and her husband, American businessman Robert Charles Chien, have separated after more than two decades together. 

Salonga made the revelation during a media conference for ‘Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular’, where she plays Madame Thénardier.

The issue came out as she spoke about co-parenting and supporting their only child, 19-year-old Nicole Chien now transman named Nic.

“He (Robert) has so much support. We’re both super busy but, thankfully, the dad and dad’s partner are the ones kind of ‘Pag may sipon ka, it’s here, let’s send you food. Let’s make sure that you’re well,’” Salonga shared.

The Broadway legend then addressed her marital status directly.

“Yes. So, yes, it’s not a secret. I am… yeah, we’ve been separated for a while. And now he’s happy and I am happy that he’s happy,” Salonga said.

Salonga did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding their separation or when it exactly happened.

Addressing Nic’s gender, she said: “Children are not customisable. Every kid is like a blind box. You don’t know what you will get.”

“To those who have yet to have children, she added: “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.”

Nic is following in his mother’s footsteps as a performer. He is an actor and singer and is set to appear as Moritz in a Manila production of “Spring Awakening,” which opens in Feb. 13. 

Salonga and Chien were married on January 10, 2007 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, California.