The arrests of actress Truong Ngoc Anh, Miss Grand International 2021 Thuy Tien, and fashion designer Nguyen Cong Tri have sent shockwaves through Vietnamese entertainment in 2025, shaking public trust in celebrity figures.
In recent days, Vietnamese showbiz has been rocked by one scandal after another. Truong Ngoc Anh, a celebrated beauty and accomplished actress; Nguyen Cong Tri, known as Vietnam’s “king of fashion”; and Thuy Tien, admired for overcoming hardship and spreading compassion, have all been arrested.
The incidents, occurring just months apart, have stunned the public and reignited concerns over the social responsibility of celebrities - people who once represented national pride, talent, and influence.
From silver screen queen to behind bars
On October 31, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department’s Economic Crimes Division officially detained actress Truong Ngoc Anh, launching an investigation into charges of “abuse of trust to appropriate property.”
The news sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. Prior to her arrest, Truong Ngoc Anh was known not only for her acting and film production, but also for organizing beauty pageants.
Often hailed as the “queen of steamy roles,” she made her mark in major films such as The White Silk Dress, Pearls of the Far East, and Huong Ga.
She was one of the few Vietnamese actresses known for her glamorous appearance and her willingness to take on bold roles to serve the depth and realism of her characters.
However, long before her arrest, Truong Ngoc Anh had faced severe financial troubles. She was involved in business disputes, suffered from partners defaulting on contracts, and reportedly sold off assets to pay debts.
As the head of a film production company, she had heavily invested in several projects in an attempt to expand her business footprint. Unfortunately, a string of financial setbacks dragged her into lawsuits and negative media attention - culminating in the handcuffs that no one expected to see on her wrists.
Nguyen Cong Tri: From fashion king to criminal probe
On July 23, the Ho Chi Minh City police announced the arrest of renowned designer Nguyen Cong Tri (born in 1978, Da Nang) in connection with an illegal drug trafficking and usage ring.
The revelation stirred intense public reaction. Tri has long been regarded as one of Vietnam’s top fashion visionaries, credited with bringing Vietnamese designs to the global stage.
He worked with international superstars including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus.
The fashion world in Vietnam reveres him as a discreet yet pioneering figure. Hence, his arrest shocked colleagues and fans alike.
While the investigation is ongoing and no verdict has been issued, his public image and brand reputation have already suffered significant damage.
Thuy Tien arrested for defrauding customers
On May 19, the Ministry of Public Security’s Criminal Investigation Department charged and detained Miss Grand International 2021 Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien (born in 1998, Ho Chi Minh City) for “deceiving customers” under Article 198, Clause 2 of Vietnam’s Penal Code.
Thuy Tien was accused of participating in a fraudulent campaign to promote and sell Kera vegetable candy. She invested in the brand and reportedly received nearly 7 billion VND (approximately USD 280,000) in commissions.
Investigators claim her team staged misleading advertisements and falsely promoted health benefits, capitalizing on her celebrity status to lure buyers.
Once celebrated for her intelligence and inspiring story, Thuy Tien was the first Vietnamese winner of the Miss Grand International crown in 2021. She represented a new generation of beauty queens, often associated with humanitarian efforts and messages of peace.
News of her arrest shocked fans and the broader public. Many expressed disappointment, viewing her downfall as a cautionary tale about unchecked celebrity endorsements and the risks of commercial ventures.
Falling stars and shaken faith
The downfall of three of Vietnam’s most iconic celebrities in such a short span has severely shaken public faith in the entertainment world. From symbols of success and inspiration, they’ve become central figures in ongoing criminal cases.
These events have prompted a pressing question: Do celebrities truly understand the social responsibilities that come with fame?
When artists become public figures, their actions - whether personal or professional - carry significant weight. Talent is not a shield against wrongdoing. With great fame comes greater responsibility.
These high-profile cases serve as a stark reminder of how thin the line is between glory and disgrace. No amount of stardom can excuse illegal behavior. The higher the pedestal, the greater the fall - and the more devastating the consequences.
Vietnam’s entertainment industry is now undergoing a reckoning - not just from the collapse of its brightest stars, but also from the public’s eroding trust in those they once idolized.
Vietnamnet.vn
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