After an event held as a party in a club in the city on June 28, a photo capturing Ha and two other models posing by a sign with the phrase “We are leaders” was posted on some newswires, creating a public outcry. Netizens have wondered why she was able to show her face at a public event while she is banned from performing after the she was caught selling sex.

In response Vi Trong Nam, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism, informed Tuoi Tre that the department is verifying whether model Hong Ha was invited to perform on the catwalk at the event.

“It’s ok if she came as a guest of the party since she has rights, but if she attended as a model performing at the event, she will certainly be sanctioned in accordance with the law,” he said.

On May 24, Hong Ha was caught selling sex in a hotel in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District by police from the Ministry of Public Security. She was believed to be paid US$1,000-1,500 for the trip. After that, the prostitution ring in which she involved was also discovered. The ring was organized by Do Trung Kien, 26, who lives at 158 Ngoc Ha in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh District. On average, a girl in the ring is paid VND4-6 million ($192 – 290) per encounter, $400-600 a night or $1,000 – 1,500 a trip.

Model cum actress Hong Ha at a swimsuit photoshoot