TO Miss Universe 2025peace seems to remain off stage. After the accusations of sexism aimed at the vice president of the competition against Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, a new moment of tension at the beauty contest. This time there are no middle words, but one gazewhat Miss Israel would have addressed to Miss Palestine during an official event in Thailand. In an edition that was supposed to celebrate inclusion and diversitythe catwalk is instead becoming a minefield of symbols, gestures and interpretations.
Miss Universe 2025, the offending look
In the video, taken during the parade, Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoubwalk in front of Miss Israel, Melanie Shirazwho turns towards her. A few moments, but enough to spark an online storm. Many users have read that gesture as anfrown full of disapprovalwhile others spoke of a exaggerated misunderstanding from social media. As often happens, reality got lost among the interpretations, turning a banal moment into a global political and media case.
The defense of Miss Israel
Overwhelmed by controversy, Melanie Shiraz chose to intervene directly on its social channels. «It’s clear that I was simply watching the other contestants take the stage», clarified the Israeli model. Then he added: «Adding drama to normal moments – especially when it distorts reality – does not promote kindness or fairness». A message with which Shiraz wanted to put out the flames of the web and remind us that Virality doesn’t always tell the truth.
Melanie Shiraz, Miss Universe Israel, absolutely shreds “Miss Palestine” for presenting the Bibas children as ‘Palestinian’.
Please watch all of it.
Extremely important and well spoken. pic.twitter.com/du8c3ptgp9
— 𝐍𝐢𝐨𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠 ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) October 6, 2025
Miss Universe 2025, historic debut for Palestine
For Nadeen AyoubBefore Miss Palestine in the history of the competition, participation in Miss Universe represents a symbolic achievement. Born to Palestinian parents in Michigan and raised between Ramallah and Dubai, the model had already expressed critical opinions towards Israel in the past. The scene with Melanie Shiraz, thus, has become for many a reflection of global tensions which, once again, are intertwined with the world of entertainment.
Beauty, politics and rights: Miss Universe in the storm
The 2025 edition seems destined to go down in history for its controversies. First the protest of Fatima BoschMiss Mexico, who had denounced the manager’s offensive behavior Nawat Itsaragrisil («If you don’t promote Thailand, you are stupid», he had shouted at her in public). Then the model’s firm response: «I’m not a doll, I have a voice». Now the controversy between Israel and Palestine reignites tensions. And while the jury chooses the new beauty queen, the debate is already heated on the web: Miss Universe has never been so political.
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