When Taiwan announced an export ban on masks in late January, Taiwanese host Dee Hsu went on social media to criticise the decision. “We’re all humans living on the same earth. Not helping each other out isn’t something that humans should do. Without love, this earth will become even more terrible. Hatred is even scarier than viruses, she wrote.

Her post did not sit well with her fellow Taiwanese, and she was quickly lambasted by netizens who reminded her that it was more important for Taiwan to have a healthy supply of masks for its people before trying to help others.

But getting slammed by netizens wasn't the only blowback Dee received for her post. According to reports, she has also reportedly lost an endorsement deal worth at least NT$3mil (S$142,000) as a result of the online hate.

Insiders shared that she was finalising the contract with an unnamed brand during the Chinese New Year period, but the brand stopped short of signing the contract after it's PR team noticed the negative press surrounding the 41-year-old. It's also said that the brand’s target market is Taiwan and they felt that establishing a relationship with Dee now would work against them. [Ed: Interestingly, Dee's 14-year-old daughter Elly, who recently scored her second endorsement deal, is fast becoming an advertiser's darling.]

Recently, it was revealed that the brand that dropped Dee has engaged Taiwanese actor-model Greg Hsu to be the face of their upcoming campaign. When asked about this, Dee’s manager appeared to take the news well and remarked that Greg has become increasingly popular in recent months.

Photos: PBE Media