Elisse Joson, McCoy De Leon break up: 'We both held on for as long as we could'
Longtime couple Elisse Joson and McCoy De Leon have called it quits.
The actress confirmed their split in an Instagram video showing their sweet moments with their daughter, Felize.
"My biggest dream in life has always been to build a family I could call mine. A home," she began. "That dream shaped us. It grounded us. And for all the beautiful five years (and more) that we were together, we held onto that dream with everything we had. We made that promise..to love, to fight, to stay."
Joson shared that they "both tried" and "held on for as long as we could."
"But now, we're learning to let go," she said. "Together, we're releasing that dream… so we can finally allow a new kind of peace, growth, and healing to enter."
Joson noted that "letting go" doesn't mean they failed as what they had was "real" and led to "the greatest gift," their daughter.
"No matter how life changes, we will always belong to her," she said. "Her mommy. Her daddy. Her family. That will never ever change."
Joson added that they're sharing the news "to honor what was" as they "give space for healing.. for both of us and for the lives we’re choosing from here on."
She warned the public against speculations and assumptions.
"This wasn’t easy for either of us," she said. "We simply ask for kindness and respect as this story, and how it’s remembered, may one day shape what our daughter believes about love, family, and letting go."
In conclusion, Joson thanked everyone for "holding space for our story."
"This is us," she said, "stepping into a new chapter with love, respect, and no regrets."
Joson and De Leon, collectively known as "McLisse," met on the reality television show Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7 in 2016. They briefly broke up in 2019 and reconciled two years later. They welcomed Felize in April 2021.
De Leon confirmed their breakup anew in January 2023, but reconciliation rumors swirled between them two weeks later. In an interview the following month, he said he was again “happy” with her.
In August of that year, Joson said she and De Leon had already been discussing marriage, but noted that it was all about perfect timing.
