10-4-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A Malaysian beauty queen faced repercussions this week as her crown was revoked following the circulation of a “wild” holiday video featuring her.
Viru Nikah Terinsip, crowned Unduk Ngadau Johor in 2023, found herself embroiled in controversy after sharing a video of herself engaging in suggestive dancing with scantily clad male performers during a vacation in Thailand. The footage quickly drew public ire.
Critics argued that her conduct was inappropriate for a public figure, while some defended her actions as harmless fun.
Responding to the backlash, Viru issued a public apology on social media on Monday (April 8), acknowledging her “carelessness” in posting the video and announcing her decision to relinquish her title.
Expressing gratitude for the supportive messages she received, the 24-year-old urged everyone to “focus on other issues and move forward” from the incident.
The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) promptly stripped Viru of her title on the same day, as reported by The Star.
KDCA chairman Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan affirmed the decision, denouncing Viru’s behaviour as unfitting for a beauty queen who is meant to embody the spirit of Huminodun, a mythological figure symbolizing complete inner beauty.
“This would not have been an issue had she been an ordinary individual, but as an Unduk Ngadau (beauty queen) and a public figure, her actions are scrutinized,” he remarked.
“We (KDCA) do not wish to attract undue attention or become a target.”
Pairin emphasized that this incident should serve as a cautionary tale for all future winners of the cultural beauty pageant to avoid similar missteps.
