Beauty pageant

Ukrainian-Born Miss Japan Dethroned Amid Scandal Over Affair with Married Man

Amidst a whirlwind of controversy, the recently crowned Miss Japan, Carolina Shiino, has voluntarily relinquished her title following revelations of an affair with a married man. The BBC reports that the 26-year-old Ukrainian-born beauty queen returned her crown just two weeks after her triumph in the prestigious beauty pageant.

Miss France winner says her short hair a victory for 'diversity'

The woman elected Miss France 2024 has framed her victory as a win for "diversity," drawing praise for her short hair as well as predictable criticism from viewers of the beauty pageant which has faced accusations of sexism.

"No one should dictate who you are," declared 20-year-old Eve Gilles, who was the only contestant in this year's competition whose hair was cropped short.

ISIS tells Miss Iraq: Join us or we will kidnap you (pics + vid)

The dream went awry for Syamaa Qasim Abdelrahman, aged 20, the first winner of the Miss Iraq beauty pageant since 1972. She has reportedly received threatening phone calls to join their ranks or be kidnapped.

The pageant’s orgnizers say the young woman is distressed and determined to move forward and become an international beauty queen despite the threats.