Beauty pageants always seem so glamorous, but behind closed doors, there can be a lot of pain and drama.

In a recent interview, former Miss Hong Kong 2022 contestant Vicky Lam claimed that she was fat shamed by TVB general manager and actor Eric Tsang.

According to Lam, who quit the competition after making it into the top 20, Tsang had told her that she was "so fat" and asked if she had "thought about losing weight".

She also alleged that the panel told her to lose 10kg in three months.

Responding to the claims made against him, Tsang denied fat shaming Lam and said that he had been "encouraging" every step of the way.

"I have always been supportive. If someone looks really good but just slightly overweight, (the panel) and I would ask them if they were confident in losing weight.

"If (Vicky) thinks of me (as a body shamer), then I feel like I can't give another chance,” the 70-year-old told HK01.

The Infernal Affairs star added that he found it important for people to set expectations for themselves as he can't support someone who "doesn't put in the effort".

"If you don't put in the effort, I can't support you. Last year, we had a candidate who didn't qualify (for the pageant), but she came back again this year saying, 'I have gotten braces. Do I look better? I feel that I do.'

"She had confidence in herself. We are only trying to fix one's shortcomings. If you are willing to improve, we will give you another chance," he concluded.