A recent scandal surrounding Miss Michigan appears to have cost her the cherished title.
The Miss World America organization has officially decided to remove the title from the woman’s name, drawing a lot of negative attention and various responses from the community.
The originally-stated reason were comments made by the former Miss Michigan — named Kathy Zhu — which were described as racist and Islamophobic.
The woman, who is a known supporter of US President Donald Trump, took to Twitter to express her disappointment and attempted to explain her side of the story.
She claimed that she had said and done nothing wrong, and explained that the whole thing started over an incident in which she refused to try on a hijab last year.
Miss World America's State/National/Chief Director accused me of being racist, Islamaphobic, and insensitive.
They stripped me of my Miss Michigan title due to my refusal to try on a hijab in 2018, my tweet about black on black gun violence, and "insensitive" statistical tweets. pic.twitter.com/K1Btho0Pgq
— Kathy Zhu (@PoliticalKathy) July 19, 2019
This was combined with tweets she had made about gun violence between blacks, as well as tweets which she claims were “statistical.”
The 20-year-old political commentator, who describes herself as a moderate and independent, received a letter Friday that read: “It has been brought to the attention of Miss World America ‘MWA’ that you social media accounts contain offensive, insensitive and inappropriate content.”
It continued with: “Therefore, and effective immediately, MWA does not recognize you as a participant of any sort or in any capacity as it relates to any and all events of MWA.”
The political science student seems to welcome the controversy and attention. She wrote on Twitter: “I am glad this story came to light because this is more than just some beauty pageant, this is about the prejudice views against people with ‘different opinions.”
Thank you ?? pic.twitter.com/quEC4ibjCp
— Kathy Zhu (@PoliticalKathy) July 19, 2019
However, many seem to disagree with her explanation, with various people responding negatively to her on social media.
It does not look like Zhu is in the clear at all, as she is still receiving comments on Twitter over the incident. It should be noted that she deleted tweets that were from 2017 and 2018.
One of them read: “There is a ‘try a hijab on’ booth at my college campus. So you’re telling me that it’s now just a fashion accessory and not a religious thing? Or are you just trying to get women used to being oppressed under Islam?”
A second one stated: “Did you know that the majority of black deaths are caused by other blacks? Fix problems within your own community first before blaming others.”
People on social media are all over the place when it comes to her political activism.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0LiY6JHrYY/
One critic went hard and explained: “Trump thinks you should go back to China. You could NEVER be Miss America. ??? You’re pathetic.”
A second person chimed in with: “Thank you! You’re a great role model for America’s younger generation. Stand up for what you believe in… think for yourself… be who YOU want to be. I’m a fan.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BzJZhb7n1kZ/
At the same time, however, the Miss World America organization has found itself in hot water too, and it is not clear who will come out worse from the whole ordeal.
Many have been commenting on the organization’s actions on social media, pointing out that they should distance themselves from making the situation too political.
At the same time, political stances do seem to play in the contest in the first place.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0MXPnFHP7z/
