In an unprecedented turn of events, the prestigious Miss France beauty pageant has found itself entangled in a peculiar controversy after crowning a contestant with a pixie cut hairstyle for the first time in its 103-year history. Eve Gilles, a 20-year-old from Nord-Pas-de-Calais in northern France, emerged victorious, but her unconventional win has ignited a debate on whether the pageant has embraced a ‘woke’ agenda.
The crowning ceremony, witnessed by 7.5 million TV viewers, saw Gilles receiving the title from the previous winner, Indira Ampiot. However, the selection of Gilles, described by some as ‘androgynous,’ has prompted accusations that the pageant has deviated from its traditional standards, with previous winners typically showcasing long, flowing hair and curves.
Defiant in the face of criticism, Gilles expressed her choice of an ‘androgynous look with short hair’ and emphasized her win as a celebration of ‘diversity.’ She declared, ‘No one should dictate who you are,’ asserting that women are unique and should be celebrated as such.
The pageant’s voting process, divided between public votes and a jury panel, saw Gilles securing a third place in the public vote but claiming the top spot due to the judges’ decision.
While Gilles’ victory garnered significant support, a wave of criticism on social media accused the pageant of transforming into a ‘woke contest’ focused on inclusiveness. Detractors argued that the selection departed from conventional beauty standards and accused Gilles of instilling ‘wokist values’ into society.
Negative comments focused on Gilles’ appearance, with some stating that she ‘doesn’t look anything like Miss France,’ while others questioned the inclusion of an ‘androgynous body’ for the sake of appearing ‘woke.’
Despite the backlash, Gilles received widespread support, with many defending her against what they deemed ‘malicious and useless criticisms.’ Supporters commended Gilles for breaking traditional norms, emphasizing her intelligence, and rejecting the notion that beauty is confined to specific physical attributes.
Political figures, including MPs Sandrinne Rousseau and Karima Delli, expressed support for Gilles, condemning the hateful tweets directed at her. Even Marine Le Pen extended her congratulations to Gilles, underscoring the significance of embracing diversity.
Gilles, who campaigned for diversified beauty standards leading up to the pageant, reiterated her commitment to challenging societal norms and breaking free from limiting stereotypes about women.
The controversy surrounding Gilles’ victory adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate about beauty pageants, their evolving criteria, and the expectations placed on contestants. As Miss France 2024, Eve Gilles stands at the center of a conversation that extends beyond conventional beauty, pushing boundaries and challenging established norms.
