France argues about its new Miss
Opinions are likely to differ on the question of whether beauty pageants are still in keeping with the times. In France, however, the debate about beauty contests is now turning another pirouette. The victory of 20-year-old Eve Gilles is dividing the country. One reason for this is her hair.
"Miss Germany" can only dream of it: in France, the election of this year's "Miss France" captivated a whopping 7.5 million viewers in front of their TV screens. In the end, 20-year-old Eve Gilles from the French region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais, whose parents come from Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean, came out on top.
However, this was only thanks to the votes of the judges. In the Miss France competition, a jury and a public vote decide half of the candidates' places. If it had only been up to the viewers, Gilles would have had to settle for third place. This led to a heated discussion about the winner. And not only that.
After all, Gilles has a short haircut. And in fact, in 103 years of "Miss France" history, no woman has ever won the title with such a hairstyle. As a result, dissatisfied voices were soon raised on social media, accusing Gilles and the jury of trying to "instill woke values in society". Others said that the winner "doesn't look a bit like 'Miss France'". And further: "The hairstyle doesn't matter, but the androgynous body is definitely a woke message."
Female politicians have their say
Of course, such comments did not go unchallenged for long. "Maybe the new 'Miss France' isn't beautiful in your eyes. But to associate her with wokeness because she has short hair ... that's just ridiculous," was one response. And another: "Eve Gilles is the new 'Miss France' 2024. Your vicious and useless comments won't change that, she's great."
Several female politicians have even joined the debate. French Green politician Sandrine Rousseau, for example, wrote on X: "I am shocked by the comments about 'Miss France'." She added with incomprehension: "So in France in 2023 we will measure the progress of respect for women by the length of their hair?" Karima Delli, MEP for the French Greens, said that in view of the "hateful tweets on social networks", she wanted to assure Gilles of her full support.
"We are all unique"
Even Marine Le Pen from the right-wing populist party "Rassemblement National" did not want to join in the criticism of the official winner of the beauty contest. "Congratulations to Eve Gilles, 'Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais', who has become our new 'Miss France'," she said diplomatically.
Gilles herself, who is studying mathematics and computer science in Lille, was already self-confident during the pageant. "I want to show that the competition and society are evolving, that the representation of women is diverse. In my opinion, beauty does not depend on a hairstyle or figure," she said. She continued: "We are used to seeing beautiful girls with long hair. But I have opted for an androgynous look with short hair. No one should dictate who you are." Every woman is different. "We are all unique." However, some people don't seem to have fully understood that.
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"The worldwide entertainment industry is watching closely, as France's new Miss title controversy sparks global discussions about beauty pageant standards and inclusivity."
"Despite facing criticism for her short hair, Eve Gilles' win in France's Miss France competition underscores the country's commitment to promoting diversity and challenging traditional beauty norms, sparking further entertainment debates worldwide."
Source: www.ntv.de
