The new ‘Mark Anthony’ in Claudine’s life

Claudine Barretto inadvertently courted controversy recently after posting a couple of photos with a guy, later identified as one Mark Anthony — no, not the actor son of Rudy Fernandez, who is incidentally the actress’ former flame.

“Kaibigan ko lang talaga siya… we’re usually together because may project kami,” Barretto told “24 Oras” on Tuesday.

The talk started with Barretto sharing photos of her and Mark on Instagram.

The photo, posted Monday, was captioned: “Mark & i 🙂 thanks for today.super thank u.i luv u!”

Another photo, posted on Tuesday, showed her with her arm wrapped around the same guy’s neck with the caption: “Yesterday’s Bonding With Mark Anthony:)”

Aside from clearing hook-up rumors, Barretto is actually concentrating more on raising her children these days. In fact, she’s even let her showbiz career take a back seat.

During a recent interview on DZMM’s “Mismo,” she explained, “As much as I want to, mahirap kasi iiwan ‘yung mga anak ko at this point.”

She added, “Hindi sa walang offers or anything, ‘yung safety nila and pinakakailangan and ‘yung emotional well-being nila ang pinakakailangan na tututukan.”

Nevertheless, Barretto was happy to comment on her niece Julia Barretto’s burgeoning acting career.

“Julia can act. Mas magaling sa akin ‘yon kasi marunong siya ng comedy, eh! ‘Di ba? Drama, may nakuha na siya. May dugo siyang drama, may dugo pa siyang comedy,” she said.

The younger Barretto, who plays the titular role in “Mirabella,” admitted in previous reports to watching her aunt’s past film outings for acting cues.

The said DZMM guest appearance was actually accidental.

Originally scheduled for an interview was Atty. Ferdinand Topacio. Barretto only accompanied her lawyer and friend to the station.

The 34-year-old feigned surprise when asked by hosts Jobert Sucaldito and Ahwel Paz to join the discussion.

“Biglaan talaga. Hindi ko alam na guest ako. First time ko in a long time. Sabi ko, ‘Prepare niyo naman ako! Sa pelikula, pinapa-motivate.’ Ako, wala. Talagang pinababa ako. ‘Puwede bang mag-lipstick muna?’ Grabe, pero it’s so nice to be here,” she said in a separate report on ABS-CBN News, Tuesday.

During the program, Topacio and Barretto talked about the actress’ legal battle with estranged husband Raymart Santiago.

Topacio said that their camp is “preparing something in court” that they can’t discuss publicly.

Meanwhile, on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, Barretto said her daughter Sabina will be having a recital show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on May 29. Apparently, Barretto actually welcomes Santiago’s presence at the show.

She reasoned, “Kawawa na naman ‘yung anak ko kung wala ‘yung tatay niya doon di ba,” adding, “They really have to get along ang start to have a relationship with Raymart again.”