Miss Vietnam thanks bashers amid backlash for 'copying' Catriona Gray

MANILA, Philippines — After social media users accused her of copying Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s style, Miss Intercontinental 4th runner-up Ngân Anh Lê Âu of Vietnam addressed her online bashers, saying she's thankful for them for making her strong. 

“For my bashers, thank you for your negativities to make me become positive-minded person. 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,” the Vietnamese beauty queen wrote on her Facebook account on Sunday. 

She also wrote how memorable the competition was for her as she thanked the Miss Intercontinental Organization and her fellow contestants. 

“Thank you for teaching us how to be responsible, disciplined and focused to overcome our comfort zones to pursue our dreams. Thank you for the entire management…” she said. 

“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. 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,” she added. 

Some social media users accused Ngân Anh of copying Catriona’s runway presentation during the pageant’s grand coronation night last Saturday. 

Her final walk was similar to how Miss Universe 2018 did hers, and she also wore a red gown with the same silhouette as that of Catriona's.