KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Aliff Syukri’s recent antics labelling a woman ugly and poking fun at dark-skinned people on live television saw Netizens united against him.
Many sympathised with the unlucky woman whom he had referred to as ugly.
The cosmetics millionaire received a barrage of criticism for his actions.
Yesterday, Aliff posted a video on his Instagram explaining about the incident that stirred up heated discussions across social media.
The video quickly went viral when it featured the very same woman who he had earlier labelled ugly.
According to Aliff, the woman is actually one of his staff and has been informed earlier on that she would be taking part in a live product testimony.
“This has been planned much earlier. We are okay and there are no hard feelings. It was part of my job to be involved,” she said in the video.
Aliff said: “I’m sorry if I’ve caused hurt to anyone. I actually wanted to use the word ‘kusam’ (dull) but I struggled to find the word in English so I accidentally blurted out the word ugly,” he said.
In his caption which accompanied the video, he wrote that he wouldn’t simply apply products on a stranger’s face without permission.
While Aliff accepts the criticism thrown at him, he questions why people constantly relate his actions to his wealth.
“I would like to apologise once again. But if anyone wishes to continuously condemn my actions, go ahead. I can’t please everyone,” he wrote.
In the latest episode of Gegar Vaganza Season 5, Aliff who is the main sponsor for the reality singing competition was spared a few minutes to market his whitening product in the audience.
But his strategy of calling out an ugly woman from the audience didn’t sit well with viewers. He was also bashed for making a racist remark and joking about the skin colour of Indian singer, Santesh.