Ngan Anh Le Au

Representing Vietnam, Ngan Anh Le Au finished fourth runner-up in Miss Intercontinental 2018. On January 29, 2019, she took to Instagram to thank not only her supporters but also her critics.

“Last but not least, for my bashers, thank you for your negativities to make me become positive-minded person,” Ngan wrote. “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.”

Hosted by Billy Crawford, Sarah Teshna and Kumi Miyamae, the Miss Intercontinental 2018 coronation night took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines on January 26, 2019. Miss Intercontinental 2017 Veronica Salas Vallejo of Mexico crowned Karen Gallman of the Philippines as her successor.

Prior to the Miss Intercontinental 2018 coronation night, Ngan was criticized online by several beauty pageant fans who did not like how she copied some of the dresses worn by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray of the Philippines. In particular, the Vietnamese beauty queen notably wore a dress similar to the Mayon Volcano-inspired gown of the latter.

While imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery, Gray’s fans were not flatterred by what Ngan did. For the fans, the Vietnamese beauty queen is nothing but a second-rate copycat.

Gray’s iconic red gown was designed by Mak Tumang. The two have yet to comment on Ngan’s similar dress in Miss Intercontinental 2018.

Adriana Moya of Costa Rica was runner-up to Gallman as Miss Intercontinental 2018. Laura Longauerová of Slovakia, Hillary Hollmann Del Prado of Colombia and Bella Lire Lapso of Ethiopia were second, third and fifth runners-up respectively.

For Gallman, there was nothing wrong with what Ngan wore. The reigning Miss Intercontinental told ABS-CBN News that since the Vietnamese beauty queen is a fan of Gray and was in the Philippines, might as well be inspired by the reigning Miss Universe who she looks up to.

Here is a clip featuring Ngan and Gray: