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Miss Israel Faces Online Harassment Following Viral Video at Miss Universe Competition
Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz has become the target of violent threats and online harassment after a video circulated appearing to show her giving a disapproving look to Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub during the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 27-year-old pageant contestant told Fox News Digital that her social media accounts were quickly flooded with hate comments after what she believes may be an edited or misleadingly cropped video went viral online.
“I don’t know if that footage was edited or not, but it was definitely at least edited and cropped and clipped together in a way that made it look like I was the only one that was looking that way,” Shiraz explained. “My social media got swarmed with hate comments and just these clips from this video that looked like I was standing right next to her.”
The harassment escalated rapidly to include death and rape threats, with some comments making explicit references to the October 7 attacks on Israel. “This has been to the point of, ‘I want to rape and kill you,’ or ‘I hope that you end up like one of the hostages that got raped and shot in the head,'” Shiraz recounted. She added that she’s received antisemitic messages such as “die you dirty Jew” among other disturbing comments.
Shiraz, who studied at UC Berkeley and holds an MBA, had a successful career in Israel’s tech sector before entering pageantry. She founded her own startup and became involved in Israel advocacy during her time on campus, which influenced her decision to participate in the Miss Universe competition.
“I realized that I am very passionate about advocacy,” she said. “I got heavily involved in the Jewish community and Israel advocacy on campus, and it occurred to me that a cultural stage such as this one could give Israel a human voice and when we’re generally only seen through a political lens.”
The situation was further complicated when Ayoub posted several photos from the event in which Shiraz was visible. “She had also posted eight photos in which I was visible in all of them,” Shiraz said. “They were obviously not good pictures of me, and ones where I was looking in that direction, or what seemed to be that direction.” Shiraz claims she asked Ayoub to remove the photos, but only one or two were taken down.
Shiraz also raised concerns about what she perceived as unusual attention from cameramen during the competition. “During the competition I had realized that there was a specific cameraman that was centered right on her, and I was right behind her,” she said. “I had also realized that that cameraman was only pointing at her, and therefore myself, and they seemed to have some kind of communication between them, which was striking to me.”
Despite the controversy, Shiraz expressed that she had hoped for a more positive interaction with Miss Palestine. “I was hoping that I would be able to have a productive dialogue with Miss Palestine, maybe even take some photos together and show the world that we can be an example for peace,” she said.
The incident highlights the increasing tensions that have spilled over into cultural events since the Israel-Hamas conflict intensified last year. Beauty pageants, traditionally focused on international goodwill and cultural exchange, have not been immune to these broader geopolitical tensions.
The 74th Miss Universe competition, which features 121 contestants from around the world, continues in Thailand with the grand final scheduled for November 21. Despite the online abuse, Shiraz remains committed to her role representing Israel.
“It is very, very tough to be Jewish and Israeli in this day and age, no matter what we do, we will get hate for it,” she said. “It only reinforces to me that what I’m doing right now is important and that I shouldn’t get distracted, just motivated.”
Looking beyond the competition, Shiraz hopes to use her platform for advocacy work. “I’m very passionate about representing Israel and, after this competition, hope to pivot from my background to turn to advocating for Israel and for good causes into my life’s work,” she said.
Fox News Digital reported that they have reached out to Miss Palestine for comment on the situation, but no response was mentioned in their coverage.
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9 Comments
While the video may have been edited, the threats against Ms. Shiraz are unacceptable. Freedom of speech and expression at events like this should be protected, not met with violence.
Agreed. Editedvideos and online harassment are serious issues that need to be addressed. Hopefully the organizers and authorities will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all contestants.
It’s a shame that an event intended to celebrate women and promote unity has been marred by this kind of ugly behavior. The organizers need to take a firm stand against any threats or harassment.
Pageants can be controversial, but this level of threats and abuse is completely unacceptable. The organizers need to investigate this thoroughly and take strong action to protect the safety and wellbeing of all contestants.
This is a disturbing development. Death threats and online harassment have no place in a competition that should be about empowering women and promoting cross-cultural understanding. The organizers need to address this issue swiftly and decisively.
This is a concerning situation. No one should face death threats or harassment for their actions at a pageant. I hope the authorities are investigating this properly to ensure the safety of Ms. Shiraz.
Pageants can be tricky, with complex social and political dynamics. But resorting to threats and harassment is never the answer. I hope the authorities can investigate this thoroughly and ensure the safety of all involved.
This is a disappointing situation. Miss Universe should be a celebration of diversity and unity, not a platform for hate and threats. I hope the organizers can find a way to address this constructively.
You’re right, the Miss Universe pageant should be about bringing people together, not dividing them. The organizers need to take strong action against any threats or harassment directed at the contestants.