Miss Universe – Canada reacts to racist comments from Pinoys

Nova Stevens, Canada’s representative to this year’s Miss Universe pageant finally broke her silence responding to several racist comments she received from Filipino pageant fans.

The 26-year-old recently shared a screenshot of one of her photos with several comments that read, “nognog,” “katakot,” “Tostadong tostado na nga, NASUNOG pa.”

In the caption, Nova called out those who hurled the insults at her.

“With all that has been going on in the world ‘black lives matter,’ ‘Asians are human,’ you would think this would bring us together. Instead, looks like some people are still stuck in their ignorant and racist ideologies,” she wrote. “I’m really disappointed with some pageant fans from certain countries. Your hate takes away the fun and enjoyment from this once in a lifetime experience. Is it really that difficult to spread love instead of hate? No one is saying you HAVE to support all contestants, all we’re saying is that you support your delegate without bringing others down. You don’t need to dim someone’s light in order for you to shine.”

She went on, “The world is evolving, people are realizing that beauty is not exclusive to one specific group of people. The definition of beauty applies to all; because beauty can be seen in different shapes, shades and sizes. Please see the beauty that is in this world. We don’t need to look the same, we just need to treat each other the same.”

Later, she made clear she is not singling out Pinoys.

“I don’t think all Filipinos are racist. That would be ridiculous to say.

“I’m sharing this as a teaching moment so that we can make pageants fun and enjoyable for all.”

In another post Stevens highlighted the love she received from other Pinoy fans.