Muslim Miss Universe contender gets death threat

Muslim Miss Universe contender gets death threat
Monday, March 21, 2011 13:38 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
A 24-year-old British Muslim woman, who entered the qualifying rounds of the Miss Universe contest, has reportedly received death threats -- on charges of denigrating Islam.

Shanna Bukhari, a Pakistani-origin woman, wanted to be the first Muslim to represent Britain in a global beauty pageant but has been subjected to a flood of online hate messages, The Guardian reported.

"I have felt fear for my life, " the 24-year-old contestant said.

The threats have come from many directions - Muslims who say she was maligning Islam, white people who say an Asian cannot represent Britain, and women who condemn beauty pageants.

Bukhari was born in Blackburn and grew up in Lancashire. She later graduated in English literature.

The opposition to her participation in the Miss Universe preliminaries has made her question Britain's multiculturalism.

"I thought my participation might be something that people did not agree with, but I never thought I'd get abused."

She has received around 300 messages a day on her Facebook page, many of which were abusive.

"I get people saying, 'you're not a Muslim' and 'you're using religion to get attention'. I said they were the ones bringing religion into it. I'm not representing Islam, I just want to represent my country, and of that I am very proud. They are trying to control me, using religion as a tool to attack."

"We simply live in a multicultural society where there are significant numbers of Muslims. Islam is about peace; abusing me is itself wrong in Islam."

"Maybe it's because I'm a woman saying to other women 'stand up for yourself, don't let anyone dictate what you can do or can't'. Some men don't like that, " she said.

"I've had a few girls saying 'shame on you' or 'rot in hell'. But I'd like to know what their real issues are, so we could have a constructive debate."

One Facebook message calls her a "dirty Muslim" and asks why she is representing Britain "when you don't even f***ing belong here".

Bukhari said: "I actually replied to him in a very calm manner because I'm not one to retaliate. My family taught me to rationalise rather than react. Then I thought 'why can't I represent Britain?' I was born here and am proud to be British. My parents are from Pakistan but I am not going to represent Pakistan as this is my country."

Support for the beauty has, however, poured in from Spain, the Middle East, Pakistan, India and China.
Rashmika Mandanna's Foodie Adventures Stir Up a Storm with Her Trainers!

Popular South Indian actress Rashmika Mandanna recently found herself in a lighthearted spot of

Saturday, April 05, 2025
Pooja Hegde Speaks Out on Typecasting in the Film Industry: It's Time to Break Stereotypes!

Actress Pooja Hegde, one of the most sought-after talents in the South Indian film industry, recently

Saturday, April 05, 2025
Kriti Sanon Reflects on Her March Moments: A Perfect Blend of Work and Wellness!

Kriti Sanon, Bollywood's beloved leading lady, recently took to Instagram to share her vibrant

Saturday, April 05, 2025
Shah Rukh Khan Leads Tributes: Manoj Kumar’s Legacy in Indian Cinema and Patriotism!

The passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar has left a significant void in the Indian film

Saturday, April 05, 2025
Salman Khan Remembers Manoj Kumar: A Tribute to the Legend Behind 'Kranti'!

Bollywood mourns the loss of a cinematic icon as legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar

Saturday, April 05, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT