Close Menu
  • Home
  • Celebrity Gossip
  • Entertainment News
  • Featured
  • Photo News
  • Advertise with Us
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube WhatsApp
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube WhatsApp TikTok
BigEye.UG
Subscribe
  • HOME
  • CELEBRITY GOSSIP
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • PHOTO NEWS
  • VIDEO NEWS
  • MONEY
    • Money
    • Features
BigEye.UG
Home»Entertainment News»Nina Davuluri brushes off racist criticism after Miss America victory
Entertainment News

Nina Davuluri brushes off racist criticism after Miss America victory

BigEyeUg3By BigEyeUg3September 18, 2013
Share
Facebook Twitter Telegram WhatsApp
Miss America winner Nina Davuluri

Winner Nina Davuluri said: ‘I’m thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America.’ Photograph: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

The Miss America pageant has crowned its first winner from an Indian background – an aspiring doctor who plans to use the $50,000 (£31,000) prize money to fund her studies – sparking a flood of racist criticism on social media.

“I’m so happy this organisation has embraced diversity,” 24-year-old Nina Davuluri said in her first press conference, moments after winning the crown in Atlantic City. “I’m thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America.”

But within minutes of winning the title, Davuluri, whose talent routine was a Bollywood fusion dance, was the target of racist social media comments.

If you’re #Miss America you should have to be American,” said one on Twitter.

“WHEN WILL A WHITE WOMAN WIN #MISSAMERICA? Ever??!!” asked another.

Davuluri, however, brushed aside the negative comments.

“I have to rise above that,” she said. “I always viewed myself as first and foremost American.”

Her grandmother told the Associated Press that she cried when she saw the news on television.

“I am very, very, happy for the girl. It was her dream and it was fulfilled,” 89-year-old V Koteshwaramma said by phone from her home in the city of Vijaywada, in southern India.

In the run-up to the pageant, much attention was given to Miss Kansas, Theresa Vail, an army sergeant believed to have been the first contestant ever to openly display tattoos. She has the Serenity Prayeron her rib cage, and a smaller military insignia on the back of one shoulder.

Vail won a nationwide “America’s choice” vote to advance as a semi-finalist, but failed to make it into the top 10.

In a Twitter message on Sunday before the finals began, Vail wrote: “Win or not tonight, I have accomplished what I set out to do. I have empowered women. I have opened eyes.”

The pageant pitted 53 contestants – one from each state, plus Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands – in swimming wear, evening gown, talent and interview competitions.

the guardian

Related

Share. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email
Previous ArticleRoger Mugisha’s Old Habits Catch Up As Babes Swarm Him
Next Article Swazi king to wed 14th wife

Related Articles

Monalisa hitmaker, Lojay announced as headlining act for Cantina Fiesta

Craig David to Headline World of Sounds Season 2 Concert in Kampala

Bryan White Warns to Beat-up Kasuku Over Zari’s Allegations

Whobaadblood Flux Targets Uganda’s Music Industry

There was slim chance of survival – Jowy Landa on brother’s death

What you missed at Stecia Mayanja’s Serena concert

Latest News

Halima Namakula Opens Up About Founding Beat FM: It Was Her Son’s Idea

June 21, 2025

Omulangira Ndausi: Rema Would Be a Global Star If She Stayed with Gagamel

June 21, 2025

Yung Mulo Mourns the Passing of His Father

June 21, 2025

Monalisa hitmaker, Lojay announced as headlining act for Cantina Fiesta

June 21, 2025

Agricultural Business Development Service Providers to receive training aimed at boosting Agri-SME Growth in Uganda

June 21, 2025
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
  • WhatsApp
BigEye.UG
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube WhatsApp TikTok
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
© 2025 BigEye.UG | All Rights Reserved

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.