Mc Richard Paglicawan
Miss World 2013, Megan Young, found herself embroiled in controversy after an incident involving Miss World Botswana, Lesego Chombo, during the recent 71st Miss World competition.
The incident sparked a wave of criticism and hate comments from African pageant fans.
During the question-and-answer portion of the competition on March 9, Megan was seen adjusting Lesego’s hair, prompting accusations from netizens that she had used “witchcraft” or sorcery, which they believed caused misfortune for the Botswana representative.
Hair holds significant cultural importance in African traditions, and touching it without permission is considered disrespectful and rude.
In response to the backlash, Megan took to social media to issue a public apology. She admitted her mistake and expressed her intention to assist Lesego, but acknowledged that she had failed to consider the cultural implications of her actions.
“I wanted to offer a helping hand but I failed to oversee the bigger picture. This could have caused distress during that moment, and I have been made aware that culturally, this is unacceptable,” Megan stated in a Facebook post.
She also disclosed that she had personally apologized to Lesego in private and expressed regret for any discomfort or confusion caused by her actions.
“It was a thoughtless and disrespectful act, and I take full responsibility for it,” she added.
Megan emphasized that invading personal space or making anyone feel uncomfortable was not her intention, vowing to be more mindful and respectful in the future.
In response to the controversy, Miss World Botswana urged her fellow countrymen to show kindness, not only to Megan but also to the newly crowned Miss World, Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic.
“To Krystyna, to Megan, be kinder,” she appealed.
Lesego Chombo made it to the Final 4 contestants in the 71st Miss World pageant, while Megan Young remains the only Filipina to have clinched the Miss World title, which she achieved in 2013.
