By Angeline Garcia
May 5 2021- Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo personally apologized to two of her fellow candidates Miss Canada and Miss Thailand for racist comments made by some Filipino pageant fans on their social media accounts over the past few days.
Miss Universe Canada Nova Stevens posted a photo of her on Instagram containing hate comments, mostly from Filipino users, last May 4.
Furthermore, Miss Universe Thailand Amanda Obdam has been also a recipient of hurtful words.
Stevens expressed her sentiments in her post. “With all that has been going on in the world ‘black lives matter ‘Asians are human’ you would think this would bring us together. Instead, it looks like some people are still stuck in their ignorant and racist ideologies,” she said.
“I’m disappointed with some pageant fans from certain countries. Your hate takes away the fun and enjoyment from this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Stevens added, which points out the fans that are coming after her on social media.
“The definition of beauty applies to all; because beauty can be seen in different shapes, shades, and sizes. Please see the beauty that is in this world. We don’t need to look the same, we just need to treat each other the same,” she concluded.
In a virtual interview last May 5, Mateo addressed her opinion regarding the matter.
"I really feel sorry for her because nobody deserves to be in that position," Mateo said.
"I need to do something. Actually, I talked to several girls [fellow contestants].
I personally sent messages to Amanda [Ms. Thailand], to Nova [Ms. Canada], saying sorry. Because these hate speeches we see online, this is not who we are as Filipinos,” she added.
Mateo also understands that Filipinos do love pageants but they should also know that one of the prestigious pageant goals is to celebrate differences.
“This is a very emotional topic. And I would always campaign as a person, I do not tolerate bullying in all forms and all ways," she stated.
Mateo shared that she is planning to make a video with the Miss Universe organization to appeal to the public to stop showing a derogatory attitude towards its candidates.
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