The 'glare' incident between the two
Miss ‘Israel’ receives empty warning of disqualification after criticizing Miss Palestine
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
Sources revealed to Roya News English that Miss ‘Israel’ 2025 Melanie Shiraz was formally warned by Miss Universe organizers that she could face disqualification unless she deleted a video criticizing Miss Palestine, but no penalty was ultimately imposed after she refused to remove it.
The warning was issued during the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, which concluded on November 21 in Thailand. Despite the ultimatum, Shiraz kept the video online and continued to compete without further action from organizers.
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Behind-the-scenes warning
Sources said pageant officials explicitly linked the threat of disqualification to the removal of Shiraz’s video, citing possible violations of the code of conduct that bars content deemed divisive or harmful to the organization’s image.
The lack of follow-up sanctions raises questions about how rules are enforced, particularly amid a season marked by controversy.
The Miss Universe 2025 crown was awarded to Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, 25, at the end of a competition overshadowed by internal disputes, resignations, and public backlash.
Video dispute between contestants
The warning followed Shiraz’s response to a social media post by Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub. Ayoub’s video highlighted the impact of the war on children and included images of Palestinian children killed in Gaza, alongside 'Israeli' children killed or taken captive on Oct. 7, 2023.
Sources familiar with Ayoub’s post said it aimed to deliver a humanitarian message focused on the shared suffering of children, describing them as symbols of hope and innocence regardless of nationality. The video cited United Nations data estimating that around 28 children die daily in Gaza due to hostilities, malnutrition, and restrictions on humanitarian aid.
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Shiraz’s refusal to comply
In her rebuttal video, Shiraz accused Ayoub of spreading “propaganda” by incorporating 'Israeli' victims into a narrative centered on Palestinian suffering. She argued that their identities and circumstances were misrepresented.
“This is not about unity, it’s about accuracy,” Shiraz said.
Onstage tension and online backlash
The tension intensified after a viral clip appeared to show Shiraz giving Ayoub hostile looks during an onstage moment. Social media users accused Shiraz of glaring at Ayoub as she waved to the audience, interpreting it as a sign of animosity linked to the political tensions.
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Shiraz denied the accusations, saying the clip was misleading and that she was standing behind Ayoub and could not have been glaring directly at her.
Ayoub, the first Miss Palestine to compete in Miss Universe, did not comment on the alleged stares. She has publicly emphasized her pride in representing Palestinian resilience. Thousands of Palestinian children have been killed in the Gaza Strip due to ‘Israeli’ aggression, according to international organizations.
Pageant turmoil adds context
The Miss ‘Israel’ incident was one of several controversies during Miss Universe 2025. The event saw public disputes involving organizers, the resignation of judges over alleged irregularities, and onstage mishaps that drew unusual scrutiny to the pageant.
Despite the turbulence, the competition proceeded to its conclusion, but organizers have remained silent on why Shiraz’s warning did not lead to disqualification after she defied the request to delete her video.
As debate continues, the episode has fueled broader questions about selective enforcement, free expression and neutrality in international competitions, especially when contestants represent nations locked in conflict.
