Actress-host Ruffa Gutierrez on Sunday heaved a sigh of relief after John Lloyd Cruz defended her from rumors claiming that she was the reason behind the actor’s supposed break-up with stylist Liz Uy.

“Maraming salamat at least pinagtanggol niya ako. He cleared the reports na hindi totoo,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez is thankful that Cruz cleared her name. She said because of it she now “respects him more as a person.”

“Without even me telling him what to say, siya ang nag-kusa. Pinagtanggol niya kami ni Sarah (Geronimo) at sinabi niyang wala kaming kinalaman sa supposed break-up nila ni Liz,” she said.

Geronimo is being linked to Cruz-Uy issue as well but the singer repeatedly denied it.

Gutierrez added: “Maraming salamat. He was a gentlemen. Sinabi lang niya ‘yong totoo."

Gutierrez admitted that she is still communicating with her “I Love Betty La Fea” co-star after the show ended. She, however, quickly added that there is nothing wrong with that.

“Lahat naman nakikipag-communicate sa akin, hindi lang si John Lloyd,” she said.

The first time she was linked to the rumored separation, the television host quickly denied the issue. Despite her denials, however, the rumor would not die down.

Recently, Cruz broke his silence and came to Gutierrez’s defense. He also denied reports saying that the former beauty queen was spotted in his condominium unit.

Cruz, however, declined to comment on the status of his relationship with Uy.