2023 TikTok Awards: Aussies erupt over toe-curling moment influencer Sopha Dopha, 19, accuses ABC host Tony Armstrong of ‘flirting’ with her – as misunderstanding that led to gaffe is revealed
Teen influencer Sopha Dopha has suffered another blow in the wake of her humiliating interaction with host Tony Armstrong at the 2023 TikTok Awards on Wednesday night.
During the awards ceremony, the 19-year-old, real name Sophia Begg, accused the ABC presenter, 34, of flirting with her despite having just gone out with his new girlfriend.
'How do you feel? You look ecstatic and I love you,” Tony said as he turned to Sophia, who was nominated for the Creator of the Year award.
'Thank you. Wow! Stop flirting with me!' Sophia replied, causing scattered laughter in the audience.
Aussies erupted online and Sophia's fans turned on her as the embarrassing moment went viral.
Australian influencer Sopha Dopha has suffered another blow in the wake of her humiliating interaction with host Tony Armstrong at the 2023 TikTok Awards on Wednesday night
They soon discovered what went so wrong: Sopha didn't seem to understand the word “ecstatic” and thought it was somehow a physical compliment, like “exquisite.”
“She definitely doesn't know what ecstatic means,” one person wrote.
“Don't understand the word ecstatic but want to be a doctor,” said another, referring to Sophia's dream of going into the medical field.
One wrote on TikTok: 'Doesn't she know what ecstatic means?' while another added: 'The silence is deafening.'
“Omg the embarrassment this caused me,” someone else wrote.
“She clearly didn't understand the word ecstatic and the first reaction was to accuse him of flirting,” said another.
“I'm literally having a hard time watching this,” someone chimed in. 'The fact that no one laughed says it all. This girl should have her accounts deleted.”
Others criticized the influencer profession, writing: “Morons being influencers, no wonder we're going downhill.”
Another wrote: 'Known as ThickTok for a reason.'
Some of Sophia's fans tried to rally around her and offer support, with one writing: 'Soph is only 19. She was nervous. Give her a break.”
“I also say really awkward things when I'm nervous and feel extremely embarrassed,” another noted.
A third said: 'It's just sarcasm and a bit of banter.'
Sophia was left red-faced on Wednesday night after making the humiliating mistake during an interview with Tony at the TikTok Awards.
She was sitting in the audience when presenter Tony Armstrong approached her for an on-camera interview.
Footage of their brief conversation has since gone viral after Sophia bizarrely told the TV presenter, 34, to stop flirting with her – despite the fact he has a girlfriend.
The AFL star responded with a cheeky slap, telling the blonde teen he's had a rough launch this week, mate. I don't know if you noticed the news…', referring to his new relationship with girlfriend Rona Glynn-McDonald.
Aussies erupted online and Sophia's fans turned on her as the embarrassing moment went viral
The audience roared with laughter as Tony continued, “That wasn't flirting, that was flattery.”
Visibly embarrassed, Sophia covered her mouth with one hand before finally moving to respond, “No, thank you.” I'm happy to be here.'
Tony, ever the seasoned professional, brushed aside the awkwardness by asking Sophia how she felt about the prospect of winning Creator of the Year.
'Yes, I'm very excited. Very nervous, but excited for everyone who is up for the nomination,” she responded.
They roasted her for not knowing what the word 'ecstatic' means, with one person saying: 'She definitely doesn't know what ecstatic means'
It came shortly after Sophia lost the Creator of the Year award to mom blogger Indy Clinton.
The blonde later ended her evening by visiting a Maccas drive-through Sydney to drown her sorrows, ssharing a photo of her fast food order on Instagram Stories.
The menu for that evening included a large Quarter Pounder meal, large Coke Zero, Filet-O-Fish and a medium fries.
With the meal totaling $28.50, Sophie captioned the photo: “Ofc a sneaky Maccas running on the way home.”
Sophie lost the Creator of the Year award to mom blogger Indy Clinton (pictured)