Actress Janna Nick apologises after insensitive coronavirus comment

Janna Nick is the co-host of 'Melodi' on TV3. Photo: Filepic

Janna Nick, host of Melodi TV3, is facing backlash over a statement she made during the April 12 episode of the show.

In a segment which featured a story on actress Puteri Aishah, who recently tested positive for Covid-19, Janna said: “You know, it’s good that even public figures are contracting the virus.”

Outraged at her statement, netizens immediately took to Twitter to slam Janna.

At the end of the show, Janna read out several tweets directed towards her, and gave a formal apology.

“I sincerely apologise; I hope viewers understand that I have little experience as a TV host. I should have worded my statement better; it was poor judgement on my part to use the word ‘good’.

“What I meant to convey was that public figures (like Aishah) are in a better position to raise awareness about the severity of Covid-19, ” she clarified.

Co-host Awal Ashaari also came to Janna's defense. “I understand what Janna is trying to say. More people will listen if public figures share their experiences with the disease, ” Awal said.

“Anyway, now that Janna has apologised, we can drop the topic.” he added.