While the disgusting phenomenon of fat-shaming continues to plague women from Hollywood to pageants, this beauty queen’s response will make you cheer. 28-year-old Zoiey Smale of Northampton, England, handed back her crown when she was asked to lose weight, and her message is just as inspiring as the actions she took.
Smale was named Miss United Kingdom back in June, and was planning to advance to the Miss United Continents pageant in September. But before the competition, she was reportedly asked to change her body size to conform to an unrealistic standard.
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“After being asked to lose weight and go on a diet plan for an international competition, I have withdrawn. Some of you may think this is cowardly, however, I don’t think it is the right to have my face representing a pageant ethos I do not believe in. I will be handing back my crown and wish the new title holder the very best of luck,” Smale wrote in a Facebook post.
The pageant winner went on to explain just how this standard is problematic. “It’s shocks me more than anything that there are still pageants out there who only view size 00 girls as role models. Let me tell you something, pageant girls are more than just a number on a clothing tag. Real queens empower others, are intelligent and help communities come together. Just to name a few.” Go, girl.
“I love me and will not change for anyone. My body has carried me through my 20+ years of being on this earth, allowed me to have a career I am very proud of, carry a child and the best thing of all, my body has never given up on me.”
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“If a pageant doesn’t want to utilize my capabilities because I am a size 10, then it’s their loss.” Mic drop.
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