Why Is Ivana Alawi Being Dragged Into a Decades-Old Marriage Issue? Xian Gaza Questions Nikki Benitez’s Claims — ‘She Was Only 6!’

By [Author Name]
Published: May 29, 2025

In a surprising twist that has left netizens puzzled, actress and social media star Ivana Alawi has been unexpectedly pulled into a decades-old marital dispute between Nikki Benitez, the wife of Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, and her estranged husband.

The controversy escalated when self-proclaimed internet personality and businessman Xian Gaza publicly called out Nikki Benitez, questioning why Ivana Alawi’s name was being dragged into a personal issue involving the Benitez couple — a marriage that allegedly began unraveling long before Ivana became a public figure, or even an adult.

“Why are you involving Ivana in this issue when she was only 6 years old at the time you and Mayor Albee separated?” Gaza wrote in a social media post that quickly went viral.

The post lit up Filipino social media overnight, leaving many confused, others intrigued, and everyone asking the same question: What does Ivana Alawi have to do with this?

The Background: A Political Marriage Under Scrutiny

Mayor Albee Benitez, a prominent figure in Philippine politics and current mayor of Bacolod City, has been married to Nikki Benitez for over three decades. Their relationship, long considered stable, was recently thrust into the limelight amid reports of alleged infidelity, separation, and a possible new woman in the picture.

In a rare public statement, Nikki Benitez confirmed that she and Albee had been “living separately for years”, but denied any formal legal separation or annulment. According to her, their family remained “whole” and committed to “unity, especially for the sake of our children.”

Her statement came after reports began circulating online and in gossip columns hinting at a third party — with Ivana Alawi’s name suddenly and shockingly being mentioned.

Where Did Ivana Alawi Come In?

Ivana Alawi, known for her glamorous image, viral vlogs, and massive social media following, has never publicly acknowledged any romantic involvement with Mayor Benitez. In fact, the actress, whose real name is Mariam Al-Alawi, has kept her dating life mostly private — occasionally teasing fans but never confirming anything serious.

The actress was allegedly linked to Mayor Benitez by online rumors, though no concrete evidence or credible witness has substantiated the claim. Her fans were quick to defend her, calling the accusations baseless and speculative.

That’s when Xian Gaza stepped in.

Xian Gaza’s Fiery Reaction

Known for his often controversial social media antics, Gaza took to Facebook and Instagram to defend Ivana, delivering what many saw as both a sarcastic and passionate monologue.

“Ivana was just a child when your marriage started having problems. Why drag her into this now?” Gaza wrote. “Let’s stop pretending there’s a scandal here involving her. This is unfair.”

He accused Nikki Benitez of deflecting from more personal issues by naming a high-profile celebrity, thus inciting public gossip rather than focusing on the real matters within the marriage.

Whether Gaza’s defense was sincere or another attempt to insert himself into a trending topic is debatable — but it had the effect of turning the spotlight directly onto the political drama.

Public Reaction: Shock, Confusion, and Memes

The Filipino public, known for its deep engagement in showbiz and political drama, reacted swiftly.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #IvanaAlawi, #BenitezDrama, and #XianGazaSpeaks began trending. Many users expressed disbelief, while others joked that Ivana “must be tired of being dragged into random scandals.”

A fan tweeted:

“Leave Ivana alone. Girl’s just trying to vlog in peace and now she’s part of a 30-year-old marriage issue she had nothing to do with?!”

Some applauded Gaza for defending Ivana, while others criticized him for making things worse by adding fuel to an already volatile topic.

Who Is Telling the Truth?

As of this writing, neither Mayor Benitez nor Ivana Alawi has officially commented on the issue. Ivana has remained silent across all her social platforms — a move some interpret as maturity, while others speculate it may be strategic legal advice.

Meanwhile, supporters of Nikki Benitez argue that Gaza’s statements are part of a larger media manipulation effort, attempting to divert attention away from serious allegations involving her husband.

Whatever the truth is, the real casualty here seems to be public trust — not just in the people involved, but in how personal matters become battlegrounds for online opinion wars.

A Pattern of Public Intrusion?

Ivana Alawi is no stranger to attention — with over 16 million YouTube subscribers and a reputation for both beauty and business smarts, she is one of the most recognizable faces in the Philippines. But she has also become an easy target for speculation, precisely because of her public status and elusive private life.

It raises the question: Why are celebrities so often used as shields or scapegoats in personal dramas involving politicians or high society?

Gossip, especially in Philippine culture, often blends the lines between entertainment and politics. And when women — particularly beautiful, successful women — are involved, they often bear the brunt of rumor and blame.

Where Do We Go From Here?

So far, there is no verified evidence linking Ivana Alawi to Mayor Benitez beyond mere online chatter. What began as family conflict quickly turned into a media circus, with a well-loved celebrity caught in the crossfire.

The truth may never fully come out, or it might fade just as quickly as it erupted. But the incident highlights the dangers of dragging innocent parties into personal disputes — especially when those disputes are amplified by social media.

Final Thoughts

While the nation waits for statements from Mayor Benitez or Ivana Alawi, one thing is clear: not everything trending is truth. In an era where a Facebook post can ignite a nationwide scandal, discretion, and fact-checking matter more than ever.

As for Ivana, her silence may be the wisest move of all — letting the noise pass and the truth, if any, reveal itself in time.