Malaysian model Sheena Liam
KUALA LUMPUR: The just-concluded beauty search show Asia’s Next Top Model (AsNTM), which named Malaysian model Sheena Liam (pic) as the winner, brought out the ugly side of the Internet with unhappy netizens lashing out at the results.
Liam, 22, ended the search ahead of two Filipino bets, Jodilly Pendre and Katarina Rodriguez, when the judges of the reality TV show announced the results of the competition’s second season here on Wednesday.
Fans of the show immediately took to social media to air their reactions, some in support of Liam and others stating their disappointment at the results.
The title holder won a three-month contract with Storm Model Management in London, a chance to appear in a spread and on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar (Singapore/Malaysia edition), a cash prize from Fox International Broadcast, a Subaru XV and becoming TRESemme model for its 2014 campaign.
Some comments went as far as to blame her win on unrelated issues, like the missing Malaysia Airlines MH370 flight, and insulted the winner and the organisers.
“Just because it’s a ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ doesn’t mean you have to choose your representative to be the winner? This show won’t go any further! Judge’s deliberation sucks!” Patrick Angeles lamented on Facebook.
“Congratulations to Sheena Liam for bagging #AsNTM2Finale despite having bleached hair and an ugly horselike face,” posted a sarcastic fan with the Twitter handle @heyoKINIKIT.
Liam, speaking on the backlash during an interview with R.AGE, the youth platform of The Star, confessed that it was difficult seeing the criticisms and the fighting among fans on social media.
“There’s really no point in justifying their existence. I would suggest that everyone stop fighting back as well. They’re just comments!” she said.
For more of Liam’s AsNTM win, reaction to her haters and what more is in store for her, check out her full interview on R.AGE on Tuesday.
