Danielle Hazel, a 25-year-old from New York, is challenging the Miss America and Miss World beauty pageants, alleging that their policies unfairly discriminate against mothers.
Hazel’s dream of participating in these prestigious events has hit a major roadblock due to what she claims are discriminatory rules.
Disqualification Over Motherhood
On Monday, Hazel took her case to the New York City Human Rights Commission after being disqualified from both pageants because she has a six-year-old son.
“My aspiration to compete in these pageants remains on hold due to their restrictive entry requirements, which prevent mothers from participating,” Hazel explained.
Legal Representation from Gloria Allred
Hazel has enlisted the help of Gloria Allred, a prominent California lawyer renowned for her advocacy in women’s rights cases.
At a press conference, Allred emphasized that motherhood should not be a barrier to opportunities.
“Being pregnant or a parent is not a crime and should not disqualify someone from employment or business opportunities,” she stated.
Controversial Pageant Rules
Allred criticized the pageants’ rules, which require contestants to be unmarried, childless, and without dependents, as outdated and unfair.
She argued that these regulations reflect an old-fashioned belief that women cannot balance being a mother with qualities like beauty, poise, and talent.
Allred has previously taken legal action against Miss Universe for similar issues.
A History of Pageant Controversies
The beauty pageant world has seen its fair share of controversies in recent years.
In May, the reigning Miss USA and Miss Teen USA stepped down, citing mental health struggles following the resignation of a pageant administrator over a toxic work environment.
Miss America, established in 1921, is the oldest beauty pageant in the U.S. Miss USA, founded in 1952, was previously owned by Donald Trump until he launched his presidential campaign in 2015.
