Yuna hits back on critics, netizens show support over 'hugging scandal'

PETALING JAYA: Social media users rallied behind popular Malaysian singer, songwriter Yuna after she posted a stinging answer to her critics over a recent "hugging scandal".
Twitter user Emily Goth said the 29 year-old singer's critics are making a mountain out of a mole hill as Yuna only accepted a hug from popular R&B singer Usher out of politeness.
"Haters make a big fuss over the hug cause, obviously, they couldn't tell the difference between hugging and a simple 'thank you' gesture that couldn't be avoided," she said.
Another user by the handle Pencinta Kedamaian questioned why would people hate Yuna, whose music is now internationally renown, over such petty matters.
"Even artists who contribute to the country have haters too?" the user asked rhetorically.
Meanwhile, SyukuSelalu urged the Kedah-born singer to ignore her detractors and focus on those who are supporting her instead.
"Why do you care about haters, Yuna? You have many fans who love you. Enhance positivity in life, block negativity," the user said.
Lastly, ArifJusli retweeted Yuna's earlier rebuttal posted on Twitter and simply said: "Make us Malays proud, Yuna!"
Several blogs and social media users lashed out against the singer, whose real name is Yunalis Mat Zara'ai, after she accepted a hug from Usher after a duet performance, saying her behaviour was unacceptable as a Muslim woman.
The two were performing their hit song Crush at The Roots Picnic 2016 in Philadelphia last month.
Yuna defended her actions via a post on Instagram, saying: "I will show my appreciation whether it's a handshake, or a hug, to my friends, this is me."
She also expressed her disappointment that the worst comments against her had come from Malays.
"They call me 'perempuan sampah' and tell me that I might as well go naked. The worst, hurtful and sexist things I've ever had thrown to me, were from the lips of the Malays," Yuna said.
Many netizens have also dismissed the incident as trivial as Usher may not be familiar with the etiquette of Malaysian culture.