Miss Israel denies hostility toward Miss Palestine after viral Miss Universe video

In a recent turn of events at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, has addressed a wave of online criticism following viral clips that appeared to show her giving a hostile look to Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, during the “Universe Ceremony.”

The controversy erupted on social media after users shared videos and images from the event, interpreting Shiraz's gaze as an expression of jealousy or hostility. Some commenters even sarcastically suggested she acted “as if the pageant was promised to her 3,000 years ago.”

Responding to the online backlash, Shiraz took to her official social media account to clarify the situation. “It's very clear that I was simply looking toward the 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.”

This year’s pageant carries historical significance, as Nadeen Ayoub, 27, became the first-ever representative from Palestine to compete at Miss Universe. Ayoub, crowned Miss Palestine in 2022, emphasized the importance of her participation, especially given the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Based between Dubai and Ramallah, she said she seeks to carry “the voice of a people who refuse to be silenced” and to represent the resilience of Palestinian women and children on a global stage.

The incident highlights the heightened scrutiny and political sensitivities surrounding the pageant. Online discussions reflect how global audiences closely analyze interactions between contestants, particularly when historical and political contexts are involved.

As Miss Universe 2025 continues, both Shiraz and Ayoub’s appearances have drawn attention not only for their poise and elegance but also for the broader conversation on diplomacy, representation, and media interpretation in high-profile international events.