Miss Universe Vietnam 2026 winner, 1st runner-up apologize over private chat messages

Miss Universe Vietnam 2026 winner Quynh Anh apologizes following controversy over messages in a private chat group involving contestants. Photo: Facebook page of Quynh Anh Reigning Miss Universe Vietnam Quynh Anh said the incident had taught her a profound lesson about restraint, respect and personal responsibility as she moves forward. On Tuesday evening, Quynh Anh apologized over screenshots of messages from a private chat group involving contestants in Miss Universe Vietnam 2026 that contained critical comments about several people involved in the pageant. “Quynh Anh apologizes to the women and other individuals involved who were unintentionally affected by this incident, and especially to the audience,” she wrote. She acknowledged that winning a beauty title did not make her incapable of making mistakes. However, the title required her to be more mindful and careful about her words, behavior and personal responsibility, even in seemingly minor matters. “If there is anything I have done wrong or inappropriately, I acknowledge it and will correct and adjust my behavior,” she said, emphasizing her sincerity. For Quynh Anh, growing as a person does not mean learning how to please everyone or always presenting a positive image. Instead, it means learning to live and behave with greater sensitivity and striving to become a better person, even when confronting her own shortcomings and imperfections. Trinh My Anh and Quynh Anh (right) await the announcement of the results of Miss Universe Vietnam 2026. Photo: Kieng Can Studio Earlier on Tuesday, Miss Universe Vietnam 2026 first runner-up Trinh My Anh also apologized for messages she had sent that could have hurt others. My Anh said she had spent considerable time reflecting on the incident and the words she had written in messages that were being circulated. She acknowledged that regardless of the circumstances or emotions behind them, thoughtless words could hurt the people being discussed and undermine public trust. My Anh took responsibility for what she said and the hurt she may have caused. She sincerely apologizes to those affected by the incident, those who were hurt by reading the messages, and the audience who placed their trust and affection in her but may now feel disappointed, she wrote. She said the title of first runner-up was an honor that also reminded her of her responsibility for her words and her attitude toward others. According to My Anh, respect should not be limited to behavior in front of the cameras but must begin with how a person conducts herself in everyday life. My Anh said an apology could not immediately erase the hurt or restore lost trust. She also said she did not expect people to forgive her simply because she had spoken out. Instead, she said she needed to seriously reflect on herself, learn to control her words and emotions, and listen to feedback. The controversy erupted on Monday, when conversations allegedly taken from a private group chat began circulating on social media. The messages contained critical comments about several contestants and other people associated with the pageant. Some online discussions identified Miss Universe Vietnam 2024 winner Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen among those mentioned in the conversations. Ky Duyen and Quynh Anh competed in Miss Universe Vietnam 2024, when Ky Duyen won the crown and Quynh Anh finished as first runner-up. The controversy also involved comments about a judge's competence and the private life of fourth runner-up Trinh Hong Dang. The controversy emerged just 10 days after the Miss Universe Vietnam 2026 grand finale, held in Hai Phong City in northern Vietnam on the evening of October 2. Nguyen Quynh Anh won the crown, while My Anh was named first runner-up. On Monday, the Miss Universe Vietnam 2026 organizers issued a statement on their official Facebook page, saying they had taken note of information about messages circulating on social media that concerned contestants in the pageant. “In a spirit of openness to contributions and responsibility, the organizing committee, in coordination with Five6 Entertainment and relevant parties, has received the information and is reviewing and verifying the information to establish a basis for appropriate consideration and action,” the statement said.