Miss Israel’s Alleged Hostile Glance at Miss Palestine Sparks Global Outrage
Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, has found herself in a storm of controversy following her participation in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant. The incident, which involved an apparent hostile glance towards Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, has sparked intense backlash, particularly as Israel faces international criticism over its actions in Gaza.
The incident occurred during the Miss Universe beauty pageant held in Thailand in November 2025. Footage shows Melanie turning her head towards Nadeen, who was representing Palestine, and giving her a look that many viewers have interpreted as hostile. The incident has been widely condemned online, with viewers accusing Melanie of 'Miss Genocide' and branding her actions as blatant judgement.
Melanie, who was crowned Miss Israel in Miami, Florida, in July, has denied the incident. She stated that she was simply looking towards other contestants as they came on stage. However, the backlash has been intense, with many criticising her actions at a time when Israel is facing major international criticism for its actions in Gaza.
Nadeen Ayoub, Miss Palestine, was announced as a contestant on Miss Universe in August. This is not her first time representing Palestine in a beauty pageant, having previously participated in the 2022 Miss Earth competition. Huda Kattan, the Iraqi-American founder of Huda Beauty, sponsored Nadeen for the 74th Miss Universe pageant.
Despite the controversy, Melanie is set to participate in the Miss Universe 2025 final coronation event on November 21. The incident serves as a reminder of the political sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the potential for such conflicts to spill over into unexpected arenas.
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