The Miss Universe stage has been rocked by a new storm of social media backlash after a brief video of Miss Israel and Miss Palestine sparked widespread online debate.
A Viral Moment Causes Online Uproar
Melanie Shiraz, representing Israel in this year’s Miss Universe pageant, was seen standing next to Palestinian contestant Nadeen Ayoub during an event in Thailand.
A short clip circulated showing Shiraz seemingly turning her head toward Ayoub, which some viewers interpreted as a “dirty look.”
Within hours, Shiraz’s social media accounts were flooded with comments, with critics calling her “jealous” or suggesting Miss Palestine outshone her in beauty.
Miss Israel Responds
Shiraz quickly addressed the accusations, sharing a screenshot of an Instagram comment via the Times of Israel.
“It’s very clear that I was simply looking toward other contestants as they came on stage,” she explained.
“Adding dramatic language to ordinary moments—especially when it misrepresents people—doesn’t promote kindness or fairness.
I hope you’ll reconsider in the future before choosing virality at the expense of others.”
Context of Tensions
The reactions to Shiraz come at a time of heightened scrutiny on Israel, following its military offensive in Gaza and the occupied West Bank after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
That conflict resulted in 1,221 Israeli deaths and 240 hostages taken, with subsequent fighting in Gaza killing more than 68,500 Palestinians, according to local health authorities.
A US-brokered ceasefire last month saw the release of all living hostages and a temporary pause in hostilities.
Social Media Backlash Intensifies
Shiraz, who won the Miss Israel crown in Miami in July, has faced waves of abuse online, with Instagram comments calling her “Miss Genocide” and demanding “Free Palestine.”
Her participation in the pageant coincides with the debut of a Palestinian representative in the contest.
Miss Palestine Makes Her Statement
For Nadeen Ayoub, this is a historic moment.
She shared on Instagram after her participation was announced: “Today, I step onto the Miss Universe stage not just with a title but with a truth… I represent every Palestinian woman and child whose strength the world needs to see.
We are more than our suffering—we are resilience, hope and the heartbeat of a homeland that lives on through us.”
Ayoub previously represented Palestine in the 2022 Miss Earth pageant, finishing third.
Contestants Speak Out on Miss Universe Culture
Shiraz has emphasized that her Miss Israel title is about fostering connection and positive change, telling the Jerusalem Post: “It’s about far more than beauty—it’s about making our people proud by standing for something that matters.”
The Miss Universe competition has seen other controversies recently.
Last year’s winner, Victoria Theilvig of Denmark, staged a mass walkout at a Bangkok ceremony after contestant Fátima Bosch was publicly reprimanded by pageant officials.
Theilvig condemned the treatment as “beyond disrespectful” and an attack on women’s rights, prompting several contestants to rise in solidarity.
A Pageant Caught Between Politics and Performance
From viral clips of contentious glances to protests over contestant treatment, this year’s Miss Universe is shaping up to be as politically charged as it is glamorous.
Contestants, organizers, and audiences are navigating the delicate balance between performance, personal expression, and the global attention that comes with the crown.