11-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Mint Media Sports CEO, Wong Li Lin, has addressed the backlash regarding her interaction with Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo during his visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens on June 2.
In an interview with Shin Min Daily News, Wong clarified her actions, stating, “I guided him during the event because I was aware of what he needed to do next. I simply held onto his arm. When did I touch any other parts of his body?”
Ronaldo’s visit to Singapore was in support of a series of youth scholarships initiated by his long-time friend and philanthropist Peter Lim, who happens to own Mint Media Sports, the company that acquired Ronaldo’s image rights in 2015.
Wong further explained, “Ronaldo is a football legend. He is adored by everyone, and people naturally want to engage with him. I am no exception. That’s all there is to it. I believe if most of the individuals leaving critical comments online had the opportunity to meet him, they would have acted similarly.”
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Following Wong’s Instagram post featuring Ronaldo, netizens flooded the comments section with derogatory remarks, accusing her of unprofessional behavior. One comment read, “Why did you hold him as if he were disabled? Be professional, do your job properly, and avoid any unnecessary physical contact.”
Wong’s response aimed to provide context and address the negativity surrounding her actions during the encounter with Ronaldo. As CEO of Mint Media Sports, she accompanied the football star during his visit, ensuring a smooth and successful event.
While the criticism persists, Wong remains focused on the meaningful cause behind Ronaldo’s visit and the scholarships established to support young talents. Her intention was to facilitate an engaging experience for everyone involved, and she hopes that the online community can understand the context and appreciate the positive impact of the initiative.
