While many felt that it was inappropriate for Viru to exhibit such behaviour as she is a public figure, some felt it was blown out of proportion and her actions did not cause harm to anyone.
“This would not be an issue if Viru was an ordinary person,” said Joseph.
“There were a lot of mixed reactions, some saw humour in her video, some sympathised, others were unhappy and complained,” he added.
“We [KDCA] do not want to be the target and attract unnecessary attention,” he said.
Joseph also added that “this incident should serve as a warning to all winners of the cultural beauty pageant not to repeat the same mistake.”
In a 53-second video posted to Viru’s social media on Monday (Apr 8), she made an apology saying she was “careless” in posting her holiday clip.
“I joined the Unduk Ngadau competition by my own will and will now return the title without coercion,” she said.
“I respect my decision and the title is not everything. It is about believing and valuing myself,” she added.
She goes on to say that “the title does not determine one’s perfection or success” and maintains that she is “not perfect” and that everyone “makes mistakes.
Viru ended her video by thanking netizens for their encouragement and to not involve her family in the matter.