The "Miss Universe" 2014 coronation night will be on Sunday, Jan. 25 at the City of Doral. But as the conclusion of the pageant is approaching, several controversies about the candidates have surfaced. We previously reported about Miss Britain being criticized over her national costume and now, Miss Lebanon is facing critics about the group selfie with Miss Israel.
The Lebanon-Israel controversy at the "Miss Universe" 2014 competition came amidst the unending political war between the two nations. And though the pageant has been promoting world peace, it seems that between Israel and Lebanon, peace is still impossible. Proofs to that were the backlashes received by their respective candidates.
The much-criticized image was a group selfie taken during the "Miss Universe" 2014 competition by Miss Israel's Doron Matalon that was posted on social media, The Daily Mail revealed. In the picture posted on Instagram, Saly Greige of Lebanon was seen with other candidates from Slovenia, Japan and Israel.
Since Lebanon considers Israel as an enemy state and prohibits contact between the nations, Miami Herald reported that Greige faces criticisms and demands to be stripped of her title. But Miss Lebanon took to social media to defend herself.
"The truth behind the photo, since the first day of my arrival to participate to Miss Universe, I was very cautious to avoid being in any photo or communication with Miss Israel, who tried several times to take a photo with me," Greige wrote along with the same photo, but Miss Israel was cropped out, E! News reported.
"I was having a photo with Miss Japan, Miss Slovenia, suddenly Miss Israel jumped in and took a selfie, and uploaded it on her social media," she added. "This is what happened and I hope to have your full support in the Miss Universe contest."
Meanwhile, Miss Israel Doron Matalon expressed her sadness over the controversy and Miss Israel's statements.
"Not that it surprised me, but it's a shame that we can't put the hostilities aside, just for three weeks, during which we have a rare opportunity to meet girls from all around the world (also from neighboring countries), to hear about the different cultures and to experience this experience together," Matalon posted, which was written native Hebrew.
Meanwhile, as the "Miss Universe" 2014 competition heats up, many are already placing their bets on the nation that deserves the crown. We previously reported that Miss India, Miss USA and Miss Philippines were among the top picks. And in a report by India Times, "Miss Universe" pageant owner Donald Trump has allegedly placed her bet on India's Noyonita Lodh.
Furthermore, Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa still remains to be a strong contender in the "Miss Universe" 2014 pageant. Venture Capital Post revealed that the Filipina candidate ushers as the brightest and the loudest frontrunner.
So, who will be the next "Miss Universe" 2014? Let's find out during the pageant's finale on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. on NBC.
