2026 started with a bang, in more ways than one. Fireworks filled the night sky worldwide, the Brooklyn versus David and Victoria Beckham debacle exploded over social media and Donald Trump wreaked havoc in Davos. 

But arguably, the most talked-about drama was a viral clip filmed in Singapore, which captured the unmistakable soundtrack of two colleagues going at it behind closed doors. There were moans and there was thumping, leaving plenty to the imagination. The pair was then seen leaving the premises with an unfortunate detail: a packet of wet wipes, in hand.

Vitriol followed. It was furious, fast and lava-hot (pun fully intended). The keyboard warriors had a field day posting comments, while memes and parodies were created. Shame on him, he of Christian faith and a father of—count them—one, two, three, four. Judgmental labels ensued. “Real estate people are like that”. “Mid-life crisis”. “Property Lim Brothels”. The Reddit threads burned bright and relentlessly. 

Every scandal needs a villain. Especially one who apologises, takes the hits. In this case, Melvin Lim stepped up to the role. He apologised to his colleagues in a widely-circulated, private WhatsApp screen capture. He is said to have left the real estate agency he co-founded. One can only imagine what he and his family is going through. A marriage likely strained, perhaps irrevocably, for a long time to come. And innocent children caught in the fallout, exposed to online backlash or worse, a video they were never meant to see.

What’s disappointing to me, as a woman, is the contrasting "response" of Grayce Tan. She has largely stayed quiet. No circulated apology, no explanation. Just a quiet resignation within days, and deactivated Instagram and TikTok accounts. 

I am appalled at the double standards at play. When a man messes up, accountability is demanded. Speak up, take ownership, repent. Why should this not be the same playbook for women? Come on, ladies… There is no “I” in scandal. 

Here’s the worst, most uncomfortable part: we are heading into a month celebrating women for their progress, their leadership, their right to equality. Well guess what? If a woman wants equality, she should be held to the same standard as men—not a lower one. A woman doesn’t deserve empowerment without responsibility. If silence was Ms Tan’s “strategy” (after all, she was VP of Strategy, no?) to expedite this circus leaving town sooner, opting out of such a conversation doesn’t make it go away. It reeks of cowardice, and fuels speculation and resentment.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “give to gain”, celebrating the power of reciprocity and support. The irony is hard to miss.  Ms Tan has chosen to embrace the complete opposite: run and hide from the world.

I’m not saying she should hold a press conference or take out an ad in the papers to lament her actions. I wish she didn’t simply take the easy way out, I wish she grew some balls to be accountable instead. Female progress isn’t just about celebrating success stories, but owning failures. A grown-up society calls for grown-up expectations. Regardless of gender.