KUALA LUMPUR: One of Indonesian Idol 10's judges, Bunga Citra Lestari is still mourning her Malaysian husband Ashraf Sinclair's sudden death.
Yet the producers of the republic's popular reality talent show have seen it fit to make her break down in tears, by having her touching song performed by a fellow judge.
Kompas.com reported that Bunga, who soldiered on to carry out her duty two weeks after Ashraf's death, was reduced to tears when Judika took to the stage singing Tak Mungkin Bersama on Monday.
The 37-year-old star of Habibie & Ainun could not hold back her tears when Indonesian Idol 2 runner-up Judika belted out the heartfelt song at Studio RCTI in West Jakarta.
After being comforted by another judge, rocker Ari Lasso, she slowly regained her composure.
While many fans were touched, and even moved to tears by Judika's gesture, many also slammed the show's producers for exploiting Bunga's grief in order to increase its ratings.
“Shame on Indonesian Idol. Bunga relies on entertainment and strength to continue with her life but instead they're exploiting her grief,” tweeted NV.
“Cruel of you, Indonesian Idol. Please stay strong Bunga,” tweeted Putri.
“Hello Indonesian Idol. Bad move commercialising BCL’s grief to increase ratings for your content,” tweeted Azhar.
“Why RCTI? Bunga is strong but she does not deserve this,” tweeted Azwin.
“Shame on you Indonesian Idol. Instead of giving strength to Bunga, you've made her more depressed. Where is your empathy?” tweeted Jerry.
Ashraf, who married Bunga in 2008, died of a heart attack last Feb 18. They have a 10-year-old son Noah Aidan Sinclair.
Ashraf, whose best known films include Gol & Gincu and Saus Kacang, was laid to rest at San Diego Hills Memorial Park, Karawang in West Java.
Source: New Straits Times