A Beauty pageant star has sparked controversy after being caught making "inappropriate" comments on a livestream.
Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi, Vietnam’s representative at Miss Grand International 2025, has found herself at the center of a growing scandal just days into the competition in Thailand.
The 19-year-old, who was crowned Miss Grand Vietnam 2025 only ten days before heading to the international stage, has faced scrutiny over her English skills, emotional stability, and, most recently, a leaked phone call.
Livestream leak fuels online uproar
According to VietBao, the latest controversy erupted on October 4 during a livestream when Yen Nhi’s roommate - Miss Grand Tanzania - accidentally picked up Yen Nhi’s phone conversation in the background.
The Vietnamese star was heard venting frustrations and making what many deemed “inappropriate” comments, including swearing.
"People are cursing me up and down. Now I get cursed for everything I do. I said I'm fine, I just posted. Now they can do whatever they want..." she reportedly said in the call.
"I told them from now on there will be no more livestreams, it's best to stay silent.
"When I livestream, they cut it off and curse me."
She also appeared to deflect blame onto others, saying: "She didn't invest anything. I'm under too much pressure, too tired, and crying so much that I probably won't livestream anymore...
"Try to stay in the closed interview round so they can turn around..."
The remarks sparked immediate backlash on social media, with many expressing disappointment over Yen Nhi’s attitude and lack of professionalism - especially as she represents her country on an international platform.
Apology post overshadowed by new drama
Earlier that same evening, Yen Nhi had taken to her personal page to issue a public apology in response to her awkward performance during a Q&A with Miss Grand International president Mr. Nawat and reigning titleholder Christine Juliane Opiza.
"In a hasty moment, I accidentally shared some incomplete information that upset the audience. I personally feel very sad about that. I would like to send my sincerest apologies and thanks to everyone for their comments, guidance, and continued care and encouragement over the past time," she wrote.
Criticism over English skills and preparation
Yen Nhi was previously slammed for struggling with basic English questions during the Q&A segment. She stuttered, appeared visibly flustered, and failed to deliver coherent answers - prompting backlash across Vietnamese beauty fan forums.
Defending herself in a livestream, Yen Nhi stated: "Yesterday, after the talent show, I didn't know there was a talk show. I just thought it was just a simple introduction and a few simple sentences like in a daily interview. If I really didn't know English, I wouldn't have been able to answer the daily interview."
She added that Opiza’s speech had been “too quick” and left her confused. "At that time, I was not mentally prepared," she said, vowing to “try and learn from her experience.”
"Before competing internationally, I did not fully understand the nature and criteria of the competition. I just knew to be as comfortable as possible. I am also one of the youngest contestants," she admitted.
This statement sparked further backlash, with critics accusing Yen Nhi of being unprepared for a competition of this scale.
Per VNExpress, one person blasted: "Researching the competition is the first thing a contestant should do. Without that, how can she have the confidence and strategy to aim for the crown?"
Despite the mounting criticism, the young beauty pageant star, who was born in 2004, has continued to appear composed in events.
Her management agency, Sen Vang, has not released a formal statement.