A Malaysian former DJ found herself under fire for a remark made against badminton player Lee Zii Jia who recently brought home a bronze medal from the Paris Olympics.
A pre-planned gesture?
In her viral Threads post, Cheryl Lee commented on Zii Jia’s shush gesture after his victory and highlighted the possibility that the gesture was planned in advance.
In a post that some readers deemed to be sarcastic, Cheryl wrote “Actually, did he plan beforehand to put his finger over his lips to signify silence? If so, he must have been very preoccupied…”
Based on her post, Cheryl alluded that Zee Jia’s pose was meant to ask spectators to be silent.
Lee Zii Jia explained what the pose was all about
Before we get to how social media users reacted, Zii Jia recently revealed in an interview what the gesture was all about, and no, the gesture was not an indication that the spectators were making too much noise.
“It was merely a self-reminder for me to focus, speak less and prove everything through my actions.”
This might be familiar to football fans because Marcus Rashford, a Manchester United player made a similar gesture. Marcus himself pointed out that the celebration is about “mindset”, reminding himself to tune out the noise from the outside world in his career and find a new focus.
“Zii Jia doesn’t need our approval”
Social media users didn’t like what Cheryl had to say about the gesture, and said as a public figure, she should’ve thought clearly before making any public remarks.
“I have criticised Zii Jia and Namewee, but I would never care why he took off his clothes or posed in any gestures, as long as he doesn’t harm anyone. He doesn’t need our approval. Do you have that much of free time, Cheryl?”
Another netizen who used to follow and share Cheryl’s content also expressed her disappointment, saying that she should’ve thought before posting any remarks.
“As a public figure, don’t you think you should’ve considered what you said before posting anything? Words can harm and kill, you should know that. I’m not a fan of Zii Jia but merely someone who thinks it’s unfair.”
“Well, he’s telling you to be quiet and use your brain before saying anything. Zii Jia doesn’t even know you but why would you care to comment? Do you secretly like him?”
Regardless, we’re still happy about Zii Jia’s win in the Paris Olympics. To all Malaysian athletes who are representing us, we thank you for your contribution and to those who are back, welcome home.
