MANILA, Philippines – Miss Universe Canada 2020 Nova Stevens expressed her dismay over racist comments against her looks made by Filipino pageant fans.
On Instagram, the beauty queen posted a photo of herself with some of the rude comments and awful names being given to her. While she didn't name any country in particular, it was obvious that the comments were written in Filipino. One comment stated, "Akala ko engkanto."
According to her, she wants to take the opportunity to teach about love and positivity. She clarified that she isn't generalizing all the Filipino fans but appeals for respect from everyone. She explained how all the Miss Universe contestants are working hard to be where they are in right now and deserve respect.
“I’m sharing this as a teaching moment so that we can make pageants fun and enjoyable for all. All the girls competing have worked hard for this moment and deserve to have the best experience. Cheer for your girls with love and respect for the other delegates because they too are deserving of the ‘Miss Universe’ crown. Spread love not hate," Nova wrote.
"To my Filipino fans: I’m sorry if my previous post caused you any harm. My post wasn’t intended to incite more hate; rather shed light on the toxicity that sometimes hails from fans (from all over the world). The last thing I want is for anyone to experience hate so please don’t bash or generalize the Filipino fans; not all are racist. Some of my closest friends who also happen to be some of the nicest people I know are Filipino," she clarified.
"Let’s get back to spreading love, celebration and making pageants fun for all! Root for the girls, they deserve to be celebrated and spoiled with lots of love," Nova shared.
Rabiya apologizes
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo addressed the incident and said she personally apologized to other candidates. She revealed that she reached out not just to Nova but also to Miss Thailand Amanda Obdam, who were targets of online bashing.
RELATED STORIES
 |
| Miss Universe Canada Nova Stevens receives rude comments | Photo Courtesy: Instagram/ Nova Stevens |
On Instagram, the beauty queen posted a photo of herself with some of the rude comments and awful names being given to her. While she didn't name any country in particular, it was obvious that the comments were written in Filipino. One comment stated, "Akala ko engkanto."
According to her, she wants to take the opportunity to teach about love and positivity. She clarified that she isn't generalizing all the Filipino fans but appeals for respect from everyone. She explained how all the Miss Universe contestants are working hard to be where they are in right now and deserve respect.
“I’m sharing this as a teaching moment so that we can make pageants fun and enjoyable for all. All the girls competing have worked hard for this moment and deserve to have the best experience. Cheer for your girls with love and respect for the other delegates because they too are deserving of the ‘Miss Universe’ crown. Spread love not hate," Nova wrote.
After Nova's viral post, she later gave an update about how many Filipinos returned the rude comments with more love and positive messages. She addressed her Filipino fans and told them that she didn't mean to incite hate but only wants to promote positivity.
"To my Filipino fans: I’m sorry if my previous post caused you any harm. My post wasn’t intended to incite more hate; rather shed light on the toxicity that sometimes hails from fans (from all over the world). The last thing I want is for anyone to experience hate so please don’t bash or generalize the Filipino fans; not all are racist. Some of my closest friends who also happen to be some of the nicest people I know are Filipino," she clarified.
"Let’s get back to spreading love, celebration and making pageants fun for all! Root for the girls, they deserve to be celebrated and spoiled with lots of love," Nova shared.
Rabiya apologizes
Meanwhile, Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo addressed the incident and said she personally apologized to other candidates. She revealed that she reached out not just to Nova but also to Miss Thailand Amanda Obdam, who were targets of online bashing.
RELATED STORIES
"Actually, I talked to several girls. I actually personally sent messages to Amanda, to Nova saying sorry. Because these hate speeches that we see online, this is not a reflection of who we are as Filipinos.
"I can say that we do love pageants, and we support girls. And with Miss Universe, the goal is to celebrate the differences and to be with the girls and the cause that they stand for," she added.
More than 70 candidates will compete in the May 16 (May 17 in Manila) Miss Universe coronation at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Florida.
— Sally, The Summit Express
"I can say that we do love pageants, and we support girls. And with Miss Universe, the goal is to celebrate the differences and to be with the girls and the cause that they stand for," she added.
More than 70 candidates will compete in the May 16 (May 17 in Manila) Miss Universe coronation at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Florida.
— Sally, The Summit Express
