This beauty queen returned her crown in protest after the pageant director told her to lose weight

jessica tholmer
Updated
This beauty queen returned her crown in protest after the pageant director told her to lose weight
This beauty queen returned her crown in protest after the pageant director told her to lose weight

Let’s all give it up for Zoiey Smale, former Miss United Continents UK. Smale won the prestigious title. And now she is giving it back. After pageant directors expressed dissatisfaction with her current weight, Smale wanted nothing more to do with them. We love stories of women and beauty queens breaking beauty standards, from sharing body-positive bikini photos to opening up about struggling with acne.

And we are happy to stand with Zoiey.

First of all, Smale was preparing for the next level in her competition. But then, she received some feedback from the directors. Though they initially made an attempt at subtlety, because of her years in the industry, Smale knew what they were getting at. Then, the director told her that she needed to lose weight before the finals. Not okay!

“I was like, ‘Pardon?'” Smale told the Daily Mail. “It’s one of those things in the 21st century you don’t actually expect people to be that blunt.”

Smale shared her story on Facebook. In her post, she described her experience. Furthermore, she shared how disappointing it is to be called “too fat” at a size 10. (Or any size!)

It's shocks me more than anything that there are still pageants out there who only view size 00 girls as role models....

Posted by Zoiey Worlds on Monday, August 21, 2017

It is hard enough to be body confident in our society, and even tougher in the world of beauty pageantry. By standing up for herself and other women, Smale is changing the world a little bit at a time.

“I love me and will not change for anyone,” Smale wrote on Facebook. “My body has carried me through my 20+ years of being on this earth, allowed me to have a career I am very proud of, carry a child and the best thing of all, my body has never given up on me.

You. Go. Girl.

Smale has also spoken up on her Instagram, saying that beauty is not determined by size.

I will not be bullied into silence. I am happy to share all the media I have supporting my statements made. I knew there would be a counter argument, everybody has the right to defend themselves. But to point blankly lie! That is the lowest of the low. I was amicable and gave half a story when I spoke out. I can delve a little deeper and prove statements like "pretty face but need to work on my body". Thankful for them I am not a bitter person and my reputation means the world. I am supporting body shaming is wrong. Please tell me how I am gaining anything personal. Regardless, asking someone, advisory or not to take exercise and diet on any photo is just a flowery attempt to admit what is 100% body shaming. If my photos are out dated then why am I wearing the sash? I am proud of who I am and I will stand by my statements. I love that people feel empowered by knowing they are not alone. You will never break me, ever! #bodyshaming is wrong!

A post shared by Zoiey

(@zo1ey) on Aug 31, 2017 at 11:36am PDT

We hope for change in the beauty industry, in society, and in the world. Thank you, Zoiey Smale, for standing up. You’re an inspiration to us all!