Miss Papua New Guinea, Lucy Maino, has lost her crown after sharing a video of herself twerking on TikTok. She received a lot of criticism for her video. Bashers have downloaded a video from her personal account and then distributed the video on various platforms including YouTube.
25-years old Papua New Guinean footballer has faced critique as the whole country accused her of dancing inappropriately which is against the culture. She received the backlash as people have this view that this type of dance did not appropriate for a role model. Maino has now deleted the video but she lost her crown.
Miss Pacific Islands Pageant PNG (MPIP PNG) committee has decided to take back her title. MPIP PNG issued the declaration and stated that its aim is to promote women’s empowerment. It is a unique pageant-style platform that encourages cultural legacy, customary values, and communicating via tourism about the nation and people.
Miss Maino has also worked as the co-captain of Papua New Guinea’s women’s football team. She has capped Miss Papua New Guinea in 2019. It is a position that means working as a cultural representative for the country and a supporter for women. She has remained in the title role for an extra year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many people are raising voice for Lucy Maino as well and are condemning the decision of MPIP PNG committee to not providing assistance to the representative. One of the women’s supporters stated that the organization could have explained what clause she has breached. They took her crown and didn’t give her a chance to explain herself.
Furthermore, an ex-Miss PNG said the event has demonstrated the deep-rooted prejudice in the country. She added that she is certain that if a male known personality made a TikTok, everyone would be howling or even complimenting him.