MANILA, Philippines — Miss Vietnam Intercontinental Ngan Anh Le Au, who was accused of copying Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, thanked her critics for pushing her to advocate against cyberbullying.
“For my bashers, thank you for your negativities to make me become positive-minded person,” Ngan wrote in an Instagram post on Monday.
She further said, “Thank you for your hurtful words to make me stronger and be a reason for me to pursue my advocacy against cyber-bullying on the world stage.”
Miss Vietnam was named Miss Intercontinental 2018 fourth runner-up at the pageant held last Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
Her message came after some netizens likened her evening gown and walk to that of Gray’s during the latter’s Miss Universe stint last December 2018.
READ: Miss Vietnam Intercontinental, a Catriona Gray copycat?
Ngan also took the opportunity to thank the Miss Intercontinental Organization saying, “I want to say thank you for Miss Intercontinental Organization to give us memorable gathering in a beautiful Philippines for this biggest celebration in the pageant history. Thank you for teaching us how to be responsible, disciplined and focused to overcome our comfort zones to pursue our dreams.”
She also thanked her fellow candidates at the competition and the people behind her win.
“For my fellow contestants, thank you for giving me the opportunities to know you and become good sisters. I will never forget the way you celebrated my birthday together. I love you all,” she wrote.
“To have this achievement, this is not only my effort and hard work but also thanks to the great support from my family, my team, my fans and my beloved ones. Thank you so much for always be back behind me,” she added.
The Philippines’ Karen Gallman made history after winning the country’s first Miss Intercontinental crown at the recently concluded pageant. /cbb
READ: Karen Gallman of PH crowned Miss Intercontinental 2018