Miss Israel Denies Giving 'Dirty Look' to Miss Palestine After Viral Miss Universe Video: 'I Was Simply Looking...'

A brief on-stage moment between Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz and Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant has gone viral, sparking controversy and heated debate online. The video, filmed during the global event held in Thailand last week, shows Miss Israel glancing toward Miss Palestine — a moment many online users claimed was a “dirty look.”

The short clip quickly circulated across social media platforms, with several users accusing Melanie Shiraz of displaying hostility or jealousy. The backlash grew intense, with some commenters flooding her Instagram posts with remarks such as “Free Palestine” and even calling her “Miss Genocide”, referencing Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

Miss Israel Responds to the Viral Clip

In response to the growing criticism, Melanie Shiraz issued a statement on social media firmly denying the accusations. In a comment quoted by the Daily Mail, she clarified that the viral interpretation was entirely unfounded.

“It’s very clear that I was simply looking toward other contestants as they came on stage,” she wrote. “Adding dramatic language to ordinary moments — especially when it misrepresents people — doesn’t promote kindness or fairness. I hope you’ll reconsider in the future before choosing virality at the expense of others.”

Her clarification comes amid a surge of politically charged reactions online, highlighting how global pageants have increasingly become arenas where political sentiments intersect with popular culture.

Historic First for Miss Palestine

This year’s competition was particularly significant for Nadeen Ayoub, who became the first-ever Miss Palestine to participate in the Miss Universe pageant. In an earlier Instagram post, she expressed pride in representing her homeland, writing:

“I represent every Palestinian woman and child whose strength the world needs to see. We are more than our suffering — we are resilience, hope, and the heartbeat of a homeland that lives on through us.”

Ayoub’s participation was widely celebrated across social media, marking a milestone moment for representation and visibility on the global stage.

Miss Universe Faces Broader Controversy

The alleged “dirty look” incident follows another controversy at this year’s Miss Universe event, where several contestants reportedly staged a walkout after Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch was publicly berated by a Thai pageant official during a pre-event ceremony.

Following widespread criticism, the Miss Universe Thailand official issued an apology at a press conference, breaking down in tears while expressing regret over the incident.

As the Miss Universe 2025 event continues to generate headlines, both the Miss Israel–Miss Palestine moment and the contestant protest underscore the delicate balance between global diplomacy, representation, and public perception at one of the world’s most-watched beauty competitions.