Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil, ever since her coronation, has been experiencing hateful comments due to her ethnic background that doesn’t fit in her ‘blonde beach babe’ stereotype.

After winning Miss Universe Australia 2020, Maria was excited to compete and represent the country she was born in but the stunning beauty who was raised in Melbourne, got some kick back because her parents originate from India.

In a recent interview, she said, “One of the first questions I got asked by a colleague was whether the Miss Universe Australia organisation would really pick another Indian as they already had one?” While comments such as this sting, it isn’t really new for her.

“In the lead up to the competition finals, I noticed people commenting in online forums that I didn’t look 'Australian enough'. Since winning, I’ve had non-Australians admit that I challenge their perception of an 'Australian beauty queen' as I don’t fit the tall, blonde ‘beach babe’ Aussie stereotype”, she added.

However, Maria is determined to use her voice to speak about diversity. “Failing to see people as belonging or valued citizens because of superficial, skin-deep factors is an exclusive, damaging framework to operate from and inhibits representation, diversity and growth”, she said.

We wish her all the very best for her upcoming stint at Miss Universe 2020.