In a controversial turn of events, renowned Malaysian beauty queen Viru Nikah Terinsip, famed for her win at the Unduk Ngadau Johor pageant in Borneo last year, has been relieved of her title. The decision comes in the aftermath of a viral video that surfaced on social media depicting the 24-year-old in a suggestive dance with scantily clad male dancers during a family holiday in Thailand.
As reported by Asia One, the stunning Terinsip, embodying a mythological spirit of kindness and wisdom at the pageant, found herself at the center of public scrutiny. In response to the backlash, she proactively issued a public apology and offered to relinquish her title, demonstrating integrity and humility in accepting responsibility for her actions.
The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), led by president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, made the formal decision to withdraw her Unduk Ngadau Johor title. Kitingan acknowledged the personal nature of Terinsip’s actions but emphasized the organization’s commitment to upholding its values and avoiding unnecessary attention.
‘We were made aware that she went on a private holiday with her family to Thailand,’ Kitingan explained, conceding that ‘we all do silly things and get carried away while on vacation.’ He added, ‘We [KDCA] understand the mixed reactions to the video, but we must consider the sensibilities of all involved.
Earlier in the week, Ms. Terinsip gracefully expressed her willingness to return the title, emphasizing personal growth and values over external accolades. “The title is not everything,” she asserted. “It’s about believing and valuing myself.” She concluded by thanking her supporters and requesting that the public move forward from the incident while also respecting the privacy of her family and friends, who were unaffected by this issue.
As a widely admired figure with over 100,000 followers across YouTube and TikTok, Terinsip’s fame extends beyond her pageant victory. Her music videos and makeup tutorials have garnered significant attention, making her influence far-reaching.
This incident echoes a similar controversy in February involving the Ukrainian-born winner of Miss Japan, Karolina Shiino, who was dethroned upon revelations of an affair with a married influencer, Dr. Tamuka Maeda. The scandal prompted intense online debate about Shiino’s heritage and eligibility, culminating in her public apology for the transgression that caused distress to multiple parties.
Both cases underscore the delicate balance between personal freedom and the responsibilities inherent in bearing a cultural or national title, inviting conversations about ethics and expectations of beauty queens beyond their physical appearance.