Bangkok: A brief on-stage moment between Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, and Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant has ignited a storm of controversy online. The viral video — filmed during the competition in Thailand last week — shows Shiraz glancing toward Ayoub, which many social media users interpreted as a “dirty look.”
The clip quickly gained traction across multiple platforms, with thousands accusing Miss Israel of showing hostility or jealousy toward the Palestinian contestant. Commenters flooded Shiraz’s Instagram account with messages such as “Free Palestine” and several harsh remarks, including calling her “Miss Genocide,” in reference to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Free miss palestine from Israeli energy ✋🧿 🧙 pic.twitter.com/dngl2EbSqG
— Rima Hassan (@RimaHas) November 9, 2025
Melanie Shiraz Responds to the Allegations
In response to the backlash, Melanie Shiraz issued a firm denial, insisting that the viral moment had been taken out of context.
“It’s very clear that I was simply looking toward other contestants as they came on stage,” she wrote in an Instagram comment quoted by the Daily Mail.
“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.”
Historic First for Miss Palestine
This year’s Miss Universe is notable for featuring Nadeen Ayoub as the first-ever Miss Palestine to compete in the global beauty pageant. In a heartfelt Instagram post ahead of the event, Ayoub said:
“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.”
Broader Miss Universe Controversies
The viral exchange adds to a turbulent week for Miss Universe 2025. The event has already faced criticism following a walkout by several contestants protesting the treatment of Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, by a Thai organiser. The official later issued a tearful public apology at a press conference.
As for the latest controversy, organisers have not issued any formal statement. Meanwhile, the debate over the video continues to divide fans — with some urging restraint and others calling for accountability on the global stage.