ABS-CBN has suspended the contract of showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin until December 31, 2008.

Here’s the statement released by ABS-CBN:

“Ang kontrata ni Ms. Cristy Fermin bilang host ng The Buzz sa ABS-CBN Channel 2 at anchorperson ng Showbiz Mismo sa DZMM ay sinuspinde hanggang December 31, 2008.

Ang suspension ng talent contracts ni Ms. Fermin sa ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation ay may kaugnayan sa mga pahayag niya sa episode ng The Buzz noong October 5, 2008. Ang aksyong ito ni Ms. Fermin ay lumabag sa ilang probisyon ng kanyang kontrata.

Nilabag din ng aksyon ni Ms. Fermin ang mataas na batayan ng propesyonalismo at integridad sa pamamahayag. Ito ay nagdulot ng kapinsalaan hindi lamang sa kanyang pangalan at kredibilidad, kundi sa programang The Buzz at ABS-CBN.”

The suspension stemmed from the alleged “malicious and slanderous deed” committed by Fermin against Nadia Montenegro on the show’s Oct. 5 episode. In that particular episode, Cristy revealed several alleged secrets of the former actress.