Nagsalita na si Miss World 2013 Megan Young matapos siyang kuyugin ng kritisismo partikular ng mga netizen mula sa Botswana at South Africa matapos niyang hipuin at ayusin ang bangs ni Miss Botswana Lesego Chombo sa Q&A portion ng Miss World 2024 na ginanap sa Jio World Convention Centre sa Mumbai, India noong Marso 9.
Nanggalaiti ang mga taga-Botswana kay Megan Young matapos daw nitong ayusin ang buhok ni Miss Botswana, na siya namang nagsilbing host ng nabanggit na patimpalak.
May paniniwala raw ang mga mamamayan ng nabanggit na bansa na may "witchcraft" ang nangyaring pag-ayos ng bangs ni Megan kay Miss Botswana, na naging rason daw kung bakit natalo ito.
Hindi raw dapat ginalaw o hinawakan ni Megan ang buhok ni Lesego dahil ito raw ang pamahiin sa nabanggit na bansa; samantalang sa Pilipinas naman ay wala lang ito kundi pagpapakita ng concern ni Megan. Hindi raw aware si Megan tungkol sa "culturally unacceptable" na kaniyang ginawa kay Lesego. Ang tanging hangad lang daw niya nang mga sandaling iyon ay tulungan ang kandidata.
Inako naman ni Megan ang kaniyang ginawa at humingi ng tawad sa mga naapektuhan nito. Aniya, ang kaniyang ginawa raw ay maaaring "culturally unacceptable."
"Last night during the final, I fixed Lesego Chombo’s (Miss Botswana) hair on stage. 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," ani Megan sa kaniyang opisyal na pahayag na naka-post sa kaniyang Facebook account.
Nakapag-usap naman daw sila ni Miss Botswana backstage at agad na humingi ng dispensa rito.
"We have spoken privately last night at the hotel and I have apologized to Lesego in private."
"To those who witnessed the incident, I also want to apologize for any discomfort or confusion my actions may have caused. It was a thoughtless and disrespectful act, and I take full responsibility for it."
"I assure you that it was not my intention to invade personal space or make anyone feel uncomfortable. I deeply regret my actions and will strive to be more mindful and respectful in the future," aniya pa.
Ipinagtanggol naman si Megan ng mga Filipino netizen at sinabing masyado lang daw "OA" o over-acting ang mga taga-Botswana at iba pang taga-South Africa.
Narito ang iba't ibang reaksiyon at komento ng netizens:
"To all Botswanas who taking this OA (over acting) Blame the person who touched and put the wrong brand of hair spray net to your queen.. There you can put the blame and cry all day long. Our queen Megan Young doesn’t know witchcraft she is a celebrity ever before, she is the MISS WORLD 2013, and most of all she doesn’t look like a Witch ok?"
"Or you need to come to Botswana to apologise... our hearts are not white because of you"
"Apology accepted. Now tell the judges to hand over the crown to the rightful owner( Lesego Chombo)"
"We know that a true Queen stand on their mistake and apologize with bravely manner. Megan Young you are a truly Queen. Hugs for you Megan."
"This is how you show accountability and respect. My salute to the Queen Megan Young!"
"Stop this argument it’s very clear both parties doesn’t really know or understand each other culture and beliefs until this happened. Remember it’s more than hundred countrys and each one of them has different culture and beleifs. Instead of accusing or blaming Ms. Megan Young we should open our mind and understand the situations and take it it as a great opportunity of learning each culture and beliefs. Thanks!"
MAKI-BALITA: Megan Young kinuyog dahil kinulam daw si Miss Botswana