Asia’s Next Top Model host Cindy Bishop and guest judge Pia Wurtzbach took to social media to defend winner Maureen Wroblewitz from bashers and haters. Both personalities reacted to the negative comments received on the show’s social media accounts as well as that of Maureen’s.
According to a PEP report, Cindy Bishop told fans of the show to respect the judges’ decision as well as be respectful of each other’s opinions. Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach on the other hand, asked Vietnamese fans of Tu, one of the top 3, to “stop the hate.”
Bishop: Respect Each Other, Respect Judges’ Decision
Model-host Cindy Bishop was among the first to congratulate Maureen for her win. In her Instagram post immediately after the June 28 final episode, she also said that the young model “defied all expectations” and as a result, has made her country proud for her win.
She followed this with another post on June 29, this time saying that Maureen is “ready to take the world by Storm.” In the same post, however, she addressed the negative comments that came out after the winner was announced. Most of these comments appeared on ASTNM’s social media pages, as well as Maureen’s.
The comments centered on criticism about Maureen’s height (she was the shortest among the finalists) and her lack of experience. To this, Bishop said: “The rules of modeling have changed drastically. We are seeing norms and stereotypes being challenged everyday, Body Positivity being celebrated in all its forms (including height) and an entire new arena of opportunity for models everywhere.” She then called on fans to be “respectful of each other, of all the judges who took their jobs very seriously” and for the three finalists who accomplished a lot throughout the show.
Pia Wurtzbach Calls On Fans Of Vietnamese Finalist Tu
According to another PEP report, Pia Wurtzbach, who was a guest judge in this cycle, also took to Instagram to congratulate all three finalists.
She first addresses Maureen, saying that she has “proven them all wrong” despite being doubted for her height and inexperience. She added: “You have taught us that even when the odds are against you, if your will power to win is strong, you can come out victorious.”
In her message to Malaysian finalist Shikin, she praised the model for being “a fighter.” She also said that she was “a great learner” and has “huge potential.”
Finally, in her message to Vietnamese finalist Tu, she said: “Please stop the hate, guys. DO NOT hate Tu. In fact I think she is beautiful, fierce and strong. She has a spirit that is hard to miss. If there were any misunderstandings from the fans thinking that I hate her, I’m sorry but that’s not true.”