Public criticism has mounted following a major milestone for young talent Nene Royal, the recent winner of America’s Got Talent Season 21. Upon completing her international journey and returning home to Thailand to a warm reception, the teen performer quickly found herself at the center of viral controversy.
Online debate erupted after footage surfaced of her arrival at Phuket International Airport. Some netizens observed that she appeared exhausted and lacked smiles, prompting numerous critical remarks, with some commentators bluntly cautioning her against becoming arrogant.
The situation escalated when an alleged statement falsely attributed to Nene circulated online, claiming she was ready to renounce her Thai citizenship, consult with her father, and relocate to the United States because people viewed her as conceited. The post sparked intense public backlash before being debunked as an entirely fabricated post from a fake Facebook account created to stir controversy.
Nevertheless, the issue reignited when prominent social media pages shared subsequent clips showing her subdued expressions. Online commenters heavily scrutinized her demeanor, with some arguing that her attitude did not look like mere fatigue and urging her not to forget the fans who voted for her, while others countered that people should stop tracking her and allow the teenager time to rest.
The discussion also drew comparisons to global superstar Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, with several users remarking that Lisa routinely smiles despite having far more demanding schedules. In response, supporters argued that Lisa was trained extensively within a professional agency system from a young age where emotional control is strictly taught. Others pushed back, contending that basic courtesy does not require formal agency training, though some noted that smiling is simply part of Lisa’s natural personality rather than an industry mandate.
Supporters have continued to voice encouragement for Nene Royal, emphasizing that she is still a teenager pursuing her dreams who achieved an unprecedented milestone as the first Thai champion on the major global stage of America’s Got Talent.
