Malaysian beauty queen stripped of her title over viral Thai holiday video
- Viru Nikah Terinsip apologised for sharing a video in which she could be seen responding to men’s suggestive dances while holidaying in Thailand
- The beauty pageant’s head said such behaviour was uncalled for in a beauty queen that supposedly represents the spirit of a mythological maiden
Confirming the move, KDCA President Joseph Pairin Kitingan said such behaviour was uncalled for in a beauty queen that supposedly represents the spirit of Huminodun – a maiden in the mythology of the ethnic Dusun people of Sabah state who is renowned for her beauty and wisdom.
“We were made to understand that she went on a private holiday with her family to Thailand. We do silly things and get carried away when holidaying,” he said. “If the video did not go viral, no one would know it happened.”
Noting that “this would not be an issue if she was just an ordinary person”, he said: “there were a lot of mixed reactions, some saw the humour in her video, some sympathised, others were unhappy and complained. We [KDCA] do not want to be the target and attract unnecessary attention.”
“We hope that she will accept this decision well. Let this serve as a warning to all Unduk Ngadaus to not repeat the mistake,” he added.
Unduk Ngadau is a cultural beauty pageant that is one of the highlights of the Kaamatan (harvest) festival in Sabah.
