There was an awkward moment at Malaysia’s Melodi Hottest Awards 2025 on Aug 3.

Malaysian singer-actress Bella Astillah was one of the presenters at the event broadcast live on TV3 from Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

The 31-year-old was presenting the award for the winner of the Hottest Female Celebrity category with Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.

Bella was visibly uncomfortable after she opened the envelope and saw the name of the winner.

“I know this one... I know her very well. Sophia,” she said, referring to Malaysian actress Sophia Albarakbah.

Sophia, 32, went on stage after her name was announced. Bella swiftly passed her the trophy and a bouquet of flowers without making eye contact or acknowledging her.

In early 2023, Bella accused Sophia of trying to wreck her marriage with her then husband, Malaysia-based Singapore actor Aliff Aziz. Aliff and Sophia had both starred in the drama series Ku Akad Kau Dengan Bismillah (2023).

Bella and Aliff, 34, first divorced in 2019, but reconciled in 2020. They

divorced for the second time in June 2024

after Aliff was caught in khalwat (close proximity) with Malaysian actress Ruhainies, 33.

Sophia was asked about the incident with Bella after the ceremony.

“I don’t feel like I was being mocked. Maybe it’s just her way of saying it because she does know me. It’s her delivery, that’s all,” Sophia said, according to Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times. “I’m okay. We’re in the same industry, so we’ll cross paths inevitably.”

Bella and Mr Syed Saddiq won in the Hottest Celebrity Couple Goals category, but she did not speak to the media.

The incident triggered a backlash on the internet, with many netizens criticising TV3 and Melodi for emotional exploitation and insensitivity.

“Shame on you, TV3,” said one netizen, according to a screenshot provided by Malaysian media outlet Sinar Daily. “Playing on someone’s emotional trauma to boost your ratings? You stabbed her onstage, on camera, in front of thousands of viewers.”

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