Backlash as Contestants Ignore Black Miss International Queen Champion.
Social media reacts as Black Miss International Queen winner seemingly snubbed by fellow contestants.
Backlash online as Miss International Queen 2025 contestants seemingly ignore Black American titleholder.
Midori Monet took home the crown at this year’s Miss International Queen, the world’s most prestigious pageant for transgender women. But her win stirred controversy as many contestants appeared to cheer for the runner-up, Miss Cuba, instead of celebrating Monet, sparking accusations of racism.
“A real-life example of what Black women face every day,” one X user wrote, sharing a clip of the moment. “Shoutout to Miss Malaysia and Miss Indonesia for embracing the winner, Miss USA.”
Video footage captured Monet standing alone as fellow contestants cheered and surrounded runner-up Miss Cuba, Olivia Lauren. It was Miss Malaysia, Khleo Ambrose, and Miss Indonesia, Kaycia Lee, who first stepped forward to congratulate Monet.
When the clip went viral on social media, many viewers described the scene as racially charged, suggesting Monet was overlooked because of her race.
“One word: Racism,” a TikTok user wrote.
“A powerful reminder of the support Black women need but too often lack in public spaces,” another user shared on X.
“Someone on TikTok pointed out that bullies always seem to have a crowd behind them,” another commenter noted.
The controversy escalated after the crowning, when runner-up Olivia Lauren used her onstage interview to claim she had been “bullied” during the competition and voiced disappointment over Monet’s win.
“Throughout this competition, I’ve been bullied. I’ve been told I look like a man. I’ve been pushed, had rocks thrown at me—it’s been a lot. So yes, I’m shocked by the outcome,” Lauren said. “It is what it is, and we have to move forward.”
When asked directly about Monet, Lauren made her disapproval clear: “I think the organization has a lot of work ahead if this is their choice. Honestly, I’m confused, because this was supposed to be about being ‘beyond beauty.’”
