Malaysian beauty queen loses title over viral dance video

Source: News9live
Author: Varsha Sara Babuji

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian beauty queen Viru Nikah Terinsip was stripped of her title after a video of her holidaying in Thailand went viral on social media. The video shared by Terinsip faced major backlash.

Viru Nikah Terinsip, an influencer-turned-beauty queen, won the Unduk Ngadau Johor pageant in 2023. The woman was vacationing in Thailand when she took to social media to post a video of her dancing. According to the South China Morning Post, the woman was seen responding to men's suggestive dance moves in the viral video. The clip caused a ruckus, forcing the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) to take extreme action against Terinsip.

Speaking of the decision to strip the woman of the title, KDCA President Joseph Pairin Kitingan said that the beauty queen of the Unduk Ngadau Johor pageant was perceived as the spirit of Huminodun - "a maiden in the mythology of the ethnic Dusun people of Sabah state," as per South China Morning Post.

He added, "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."

He also claimed that her "inappropriate" dancing wouldn't have been an issue if she was an ordinary person. "...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," said the president.

He added, "We hope that she will accept this decision well. Let this serve as a warning to all Unduk Ngadaus to not repeat the mistake."

Meanwhile, Terinsip released an apology video. She stated, "Please leave my family and friends out as they are not involved in this matter. It is up to you whether you would accept [my explanation] or not, but this comes sincerely from my heart. Thank you for listening." She has accepted the association's decision.