WE often say people deserve a second chance and should not judge someone forever by decisions they made in the past.
But when it comes to Siew Pui Yi a.k.a. Ms PuiYi do we really mean it?
The controversy over her scheduled DJ appearance at a MyBlockchain Week 2026 after-party has brought out the familiar outrage over her past association with the adult industry. Many may disapprove of that past and they have a right to do so.
But the first Southeast Asian woman to grace Penthouse magazine in 2022 has publicly admitted having left the adult industry, deleted her OnlyFans content and has been trying to build a career in music and entertainment.
In her latest statement, she also made clear that she was hired simply as a professional DJ and has nothing to do with organising the event (July 29-30) or its wider messaging.
So what more must she do before we allow her to move on? How long do we need hold her past against her?
Must we continue treating Ms PuiYi as a permanent stain – one that makes her unfit to perform at any respectable event for the rest of her life? Whatever happened to compassion and forgiveness for those who have committed to turning over a new leaf?
And why the double standards when it comes to who and on what criteria we should allow someone to move on?
Not long ago, many Malaysians offered goodwill and encouragement to former Japanese adult star Rae Lil Black after she embraced Islam. She drew significant public attention in Malaysia in March 2025 after sharing her Ramadan observance in Kuala Lumpur.
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Rae Lil Black, a former Japanese film star, has accepted Islam after visiting Pakistan.
Now, she is in #Malaysia observing Ramadan, sharing her journey by posting videos from mosques while dressed in traditional Muslim attire. #Pakistan #RaeLilBlack #Japan #Islam #Tokyo pic.twitter.com/Sf5sF9WNs9— All About Pakistan (@Aboutpakistan90) March 14, 2025
Why does forgiveness come more readily when someone’s new path is one that aligns with our worldview? Both also left the adult industry and have moved on.
If we are so eager to distance ourselves from Ms PuiYi, do we have the capacity to embrace reformed drug addicts and ex-convicts who have turned over a new leaf back into society?
Why our eagerness to cast the first stone when some have no compunction in pedestalising corrupt politicians who blatantly steal and drive a wedge in our society?
We do not have to make Ms PuiYi a role model or agree with every choice she has made. But we should be able to recognise that a person is more than her past. – July 30, 2026
Main image credit: Time For Learning/Facebook
