It’s 2019, and Algeria, the African country, has crowned its first Black Miss Algeria. After beating 16 other contestants, Khadija Ben Hamou won the title and instantaneously faced backlash for being "too Black" and "ugly."
Racists reared their ugly heads online after Hamou’s win, picking apart the young woman’s features.
“Stop judging with feeling,” one Facebook user wrote. “She’s very ugly, with her big nose and mouth is 20 cc, not to mention her butt, anyway, a beauty contest is winning first by beauty then the stay.”
Other discriminators followed suit, attacking the pageant winner for her appearance and skin.
Every Miss Algeria since the creation of the (stupid) contest was subjected to heavy criticism (because let's face it: they were all ugly). This year, it just so happens that the winner is from Southern Algeria.— Ice_Clou (@Ice_Clou) January 9, 2019
Miss Algeria is ugly I can't lie— ???????? âmou (@JFlygerian) November 23, 2013
Miss Algeria 2013 is ugly no offence LOL— K (@Kbenmoulai) August 2, 2013
The pageant released a statement condemning the hateful words online, saying:
“Miss Algeria’s organization deplores the racist behavior and comments of several people as a result of publications and retouched photos."
Others rallied behind her win, supporting the newly crowned Miss Algeria and denouncing all racist trolls.
Congratulations to Khadija Ben Hamou for being the first Black woman to ever be elected “Miss Algeria “ .
I can’t believe it’s taking us this long to finally make this happen .
May all the racist rot in their miserable homes while our queen is flourishing & having fun . ???????? pic.twitter.com/jXukfSdFmA— YASMEEN (@AriesForYSL) January 8, 2019
This beautiful lady is Khadija Ben Hamou. She was just chosen Miss Algeria 2019.
Sadly some users on Arab twitter are attacking & insulting her because she is a woman of color.
You are stunning Khadija.
Let's show her some love. ❤#خديجة_بن_حمو@akhbar pic.twitter.com/SwwlznQZi7— Jenan Moussa (@jenanmoussa) January 6, 2019
Khadija Ben Hamou is the first black woman to win the title of Miss Algeria Beauty Pageant.
You are Beautiful..Don't let all the negative racist things some of your people are saying weigh you down. You are blessed. Keep shinning. Black is Beautiful. pic.twitter.com/TzOyQZJj7c— UGOCHUKWU "Seal" MADUKA (@hugoseal) January 9, 2019
Despite the hate, Hamou refuses to let the racists get to her.
“I do not look at social networks,” Hamou said during an interview on Algerian television, the National reports. “May God show the way to those who criticize me and preserve those who encourage me.”
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