Beauty queen apologizes for controversial statements, quits entertainment

Miss World Vietnam 2023 Huynh Tran Y Nhi. Photo from Nhi's Facebook

Uploading a video to her Facebook account on Thursday, Nhi made her first public appearance since embroiling in controversies for her statements following her win at the 2023 Miss World Vietnam contest in July.

In an interview after the contest, Nhi said she was more mature than other people her age, as she had "participated in a beauty contest" and became a "beauty queen" while others just wanted to "sleep, have fun, and drink bubble tea."

She also said her boyfriend needed to make "quick and significant changes" so he could "catch up" with her.

Her comments caused public ire.

"I want to send my apologies to the public audience, to organizations and individuals that have been affected by my statements," she said. "I have spent the past three months reflecting on my behavior, and I will continue to attempt to improve myself."

The beauty queen added that she had donated the VND25 million (US$10,200) she received as a prize for her Miss World Vietnam title to charity. She has also had a hair-cut and donated to the Breast Cancer Network Vietnam.

She also announced her decision to quit the entertainment industry and relocate to Australia to study for her degree.

"It’s a good time for me to gain more knowledge, improve myself, and widen my world views," she said.

Nhi, 21, finished as the runner-up of a beauty pageant for students in her hometown in the coastal province of Binh Dinh before winning the 2023 Miss World Vietnam title.