Miss Asia Pageant winner apologizes amid bullying claims

In a shocking turn of events, the recently crowned ATV Miss Asia Pageant Malaysia 2023 winner, Luwe Xin Hui, issued a heartfelt apology on Instagram, addressing allegations of past bullying and reflecting on her actions. The apology comes just a day after her remarkable victory, and it has stirred both sympathy and controversy among her supporters and detractors.

Luwe Xin Hui, a 23-year-old beauty queen, triumphed over 14 contestants to clinch the prestigious title. Her victory was celebrated by many, but it didn’t take long for her past to resurface. Several individuals from her school days came forward, accusing her of bullying and recounting their traumatic experiences. Allegations of verbal and physical bullying, name-calling, and even an incident involving water splashing have shaken the image of the newly crowned beauty queen.

Luwe Xin Hui’s apology

In a lengthy Instagram post, Luwe Xin Hui, known as Luwe to her fans, opened up about her past and expressed her remorse. She began by acknowledging her former classmates, saying, “I am very sorry that public opinion has taken up public resources these days. Over the past two days, I have spent some time reflecting on the past and reflecting on my past. Here’s my apologies and clarifications.”

She specifically addressed two individuals, Huang Kangjia and Dai Xinyi, who had accused her of bullying. Luwe admitted her relationship with them, saying they were “junior high school classmates.” She then extended a heartfelt apology to Huang Kangjia, stating, “I used to export calling you ‘Egyptian Pharaoh,’ but I didn’t take the nickname. I’m so sorry for making fun of my classmates’ nicknames. By now, I know my apologies can’t change the hurt I caused her, but I will always remember this guilt.”

As for the allegations made by Kangja, Luwe firmly denied them, saying, “It is regrettable that such a false accusation has emerged.” She also addressed Dai Xinyi’s claims, apologizing but asserting that some of the accusations were untrue. Luwe explained, “The quarrel is a fact. I apologize to you, but it’s not true to pour water, throw classmates’ water bottles into the trash, lead the class to target, toilet blockage, etc.”

Navigating a complex past

These revelations have painted a complex picture of Luwe’s past, with both her actions and experiences as a victim of teasing and exclusion. She acknowledged her part in making fun of classmates’ nicknames and being teased herself. She also attempted to clarify that the reports of her bullying a large number of people were exaggerated, saying, “bully 30 to 80 people, I can’t actually do it, thinking rationally is not valid.”

Amid the swirling allegations, there were even rumors that the school had ignored her actions. Luwe was quick to address this, saying, “I want to say sorry to my alma mater and to clarify that the school did not condone me.” She went on to explain that the school had taken action against her for various infractions, emphasizing that “school rules, alma mater fairness and fairness will not change because I am alone.”

Luwe’s heartfelt post didn’t end with apologies and clarifications; it also touched on her personal growth. She expressed a deep sense of gratitude to her teachers, saying, “Once a student of Beweng, I am very proud, and I am deeply grateful to the teachers for their teaching.” She also emphasized that she would not run away from her past mistakes and that she would use this experience as an opportunity for growth and self-reflection.

Impact on Luwe’s future as a beauty queen

The allegations of bullying have not only affected Luwe personally but also cast a shadow over her future as a beauty queen. One Instagram user, who claimed to have been bullied by Luwe, stated, “Beauty contests value both outer and inner beauty. If she truly becomes the champion, think about the immense damage it will inflict on those she has bullied based on their appearance.” This sentiment reflects the concern that her past actions may overshadow her beauty and talent, which are typically the focus of pageant competitions.

Another individual shared their traumatic experience, saying, “Between 2014-2015, my friends and I suffered mental torment from Luwe. Regular verbal bullying, including ridiculing appearances and assigning derogatory nicknames, was the norm.” Such accounts have raised questions about the values and ethics of beauty pageants and whether past behavior should influence the selection of a beauty queen.

Pageant organizer’s commitment to fairness

Asia Television News, the organizer of the ATV Miss Asia Pageant Malaysia 2023, released a statement addressing the allegations on September 27. In their statement, they emphasized their commitment to fairness and staunch opposition to any form of bullying or discrimination. “We firmly believe every contestant should compete with respect and fairness. We will rigorously review the allegations to ensure a transparent and just investigation process,” the statement read.

The network stressed that substantial evidence was necessary before making judgments based solely on words or text. They pledged to launch an in-depth investigation and seek legal counsel to maintain the pageant’s integrity. Additionally, they urged the public to refrain from speculating or making malicious claims against the event until conclusive results were obtained.

As Luwe Xin Hui prepares to represent Malaysia in the Miss Asia Pageant finals in Shanghai, China, later this year, she finds herself at the center of a storm of controversy. Her past actions have come under intense scrutiny, raising critical questions about the values upheld by beauty pageants and the responsibilities that come with being a public figure. Luwe’s apology is a step toward addressing her past mistakes, but whether it will be enough to salvage her reputation and secure her future as a beauty queen remains uncertain.