KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 ― The public backlash over a controversial video by Asia’s largest health care and beauty products chain Watsons yesterday elicited mixed response from some of the local celebrities who starred in it.

While several expressed apology for the impressions they gave fans with their participation, some defended the Hari Raya campaign that was criticised for using blackface and allegedly sexist themes for merely being “humorous” and just “for fun”.

“The truth is people in this era are overly sensitive, on social media, on the road, public areas, government office even hospitals … that's the fact,” said popular actress Raja Ilya in the Instagram comments section of ex-Miss Malaysia Thanuja Ananthan, who also joined the campaign.

“It's clearly stated ‘humour’ means it's humour and it's a tale after all,” Raja Ilya said, claiming that the public should stop being sensitive over every single issue, while pointing to her own Indian heritage.

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Thanuja, an ethnic Indian TV presenter, explained that she joined the campaign because of its multiracial and multicultural aspect, saying it was “honestly done in good faith and spirit of fun based on traditional fairy tales”.

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“The whole purpose of this video was to show love, respect and unity amongst our multicultural Malaysia. We all come from different backgrounds, colour and creed. But, we are all one. Blood runs red in each one of us,” said Thanuja.

Actor Kamal Adli who played the lead in the video said he was just following the script.

“It is for fun and following the legend. I wasn’t disparaging anyone,” he said on his own Instagram account, in reply to criticisms from some fans.

Popular actress Ruhainies who put on the blackface to play her part beside Kamal has yet to respond publicly.

 

Day 28. The storm that was brewing since last night in Capetown seems to be brewing back home too. The voice of the people rings out loud and clear. For the record, I too have experienced unflattering comments made about my 'colour' even to this day. I have written about this before previously and those closest to me would know how sensitive I am in regards to any sort of discrimination towards another human being. I have been called names, have insults thrown at me and was alienated just because I didint 'fit in.' So I know how it feels to be ridiculed and believe me when I say, I would never dream of advocating such a thing in this lifetime of mine. In fact, after years of shaming, I turned the hurt into strength by accepting the fact I have always been different and shall remain to be. I embrace being the odd one out and have learnt to love myself for who I am. In this case though I will admit I did overlook the impact of such a sensitive issue and the ripple affect that it would have on other individuals. Everyone has a right to lash out and be upset as a result. The web movie has been taken down and an official apology has been made. To be honest I am not familiar with this particular local folklore and in all my naivety wasn't aware of what it entailed as I concentrated entirely on my role in the story. However, only when messages started coming in alerting me of the uproar this morning could I see that the damage had been done. Ive been told that other than an official apology, an official statement in regards to the execution of the movie was released to shed some light on the matter. Steps are being taken to try and relieve this matter to mend the rift caused as I am writing this. One hopes that we learn from such miscalculated oversights and genuine remorse is key. From my heart I can only hope this shows that I love everything and everyone and that's the truth and nothing but the truth. "We're all flawed. We all make mistakes daily. Yet His Mercy remains. So no matter how hard you stumble and fall, get up. Get back on track." - Motivational Moments by Mufti Menk. #DiaryOfASingleWorkingMum #Day158Of365DaysIn2017BySashaSaidin #CommittedToTheCelopians

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Actress and model Sasha Saidin reflected on the backlash by relating her experience of being an outcast in Malaysian society, saying she had been insulted and alienated for being half-Caucasian.

“In this case though I will admit I did overlook the impact of such a sensitive issue and the ripple affect [sic] that it would have on other individuals. Everyone has a right to lash out and be upset as a result,” said Sasha.

“To be honest I am not familiar with this particular local folklore and in all my naivety wasn't aware of what it entailed as I concentrated entirely on my role in the story. However, only when messages started coming in alerting me of the uproar this morning could I see that the damage had been done.”

Watsons Malaysia has removed the star-studded video of the “Legenda Cun” campaign for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration following public uproar over its use of blackface and allegedly sexist theme.

According to chain, the video was in reference to the Malay folktale of Dayang Senandung who was born cursed with black skin, and was shot to highlight the legend and its moral values of inner beauty and that true love exists.