There was an awkward moment at Malaysia’s Melodi Hottest Awards 2025 on Aug 3.
Malaysian singer-actress Bella Astillah was one of the presenters at the event broadcast live on TV3 from Putrajaya International Convention Centre.
The 31-year-old was presenting the award for the winner of the Hottest Female Celebrity category with Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
Bella was visibly uncomfortable after she opened the envelope and saw the name of the winner.
“I know this one... I know her very well. Sophia,” she said, referring to Malaysian actress Sophia Albarakbah.
Sophia, 32, went on stage after her name was announced. Bella swiftly passed her the trophy and a bouquet of flowers without making eye contact or acknowledging her.
In early 2023, Bella accused Sophia of trying to wreck her marriage with her then husband, Malaysia-based Singaporean actor Aliff Aziz. Aliff and Sophia had both starred in the drama series Ku Akad Kau Dengan Bismillah (2023).
Bella and Aliff, 34, first divorced in 2019, but reconciled in 2020. They divorced for the second time in June 2024 after Aliff was caught in khalwat (close proximity) with Malaysian actress Ruhainies, 33.
Sophia was asked about the incident with Bella after the ceremony.
"I'm OK because we're in the same industry. I never felt as if I was being mocked. Maybe that's just her way of presenting the award," she told entertainment portal Gempak.
For the record, Bella and Syed Saddiq won in the Hottest Celebrity Couple Goals category, but she did not speak to the media. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
