Vietnamese celebrities face backlash for defending renowned designer Nguyen Cong Tri amid drug investigation

Statements by public figures, including designers and beauty pageant contestants, drew widespread criticism on social media, where users accused them of defending criminal behavior and downplaying serious allegations.

"Talented or not, no one is above the law," one user wrote in response to a Facebook post by Miss Vietnam 2010 first runner-up Hoang My, who had described Tri's arrest as a personal shock and expressed hope for his return to the fashion industry.

Others criticized her message as tone-deaf, with one comment reading, "You speak as if he's a hero, not a suspect in a drug case."

Fashion designer Trung Dinh also drew attention after writing that while Tri may have broken the law, his contributions to Vietnamese fashion "remain real and lasting." 

His post called for compassion and rejected mockery or public shaming.

Police on Tuesday confirmed that Tri, 46, is under investigation for his alleged role in the purchase, sale, and organization of illegal drug use. 

No formal charges have been filed, and police declined to provide further details. 

Tri has not made a public statement.

The case has shocked the Vietnamese fashion community. 

Tri is widely credited with helping to bring Vietnamese high fashion to the international stage.

His designs have been worn by global celebrities including Adele, Beyoncé, and Lisa of Blackpink.

But the online response to his defenders has underscored a growing intolerance for perceived double standards in Vietnam's entertainment industry.

"Being famous doesn't make someone untouchable," another user wrote. 

"Defending wrongdoing sends the wrong message."

The investigation is ongoing.