Zoiey Smale, 28, of Northampton, England, won the title of Miss United Kingdom back in June and was set to progress to the Miss United Continents show in Ecuador in late September.
Smale disclosed to TODAY that she as of late got a call from her national executive who educated her the universal chief of the opposition needed her “to lose weight and go on some sort of diet plan.”
“I was so upset and shocked because I had worked so hard in the run up to the national title. I took some time to think about my decision. Do I go anyway out of protest? Or hand my title over. I made the decision to hand my title over as I didn’t want to support a company who didn’t love me for me,” the mother of one said.
Solicitations for input from the Miss United Continents show were not returned.
Smale as of late took to Facebook to expound on her choice, taking note of she has been contending in such challenges for over 10 years.
“Some of you may think this is cowardly, however I don’t think it is the right to have my face representing a pageant ethos I do not believe in. I will be handing back my crown and wish the new title holder the very best of luck,” wrote Smale, alongside a photo of her in a blue gown and her crown.
“I love me and will not change for anyone. 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,” she added.
Essentially, a year ago, Miss Iceland, Arna Ýr Jónsdóttir quit the Miss Grand International magnificence event after she was additionally purportedly advised to get thinner.
Supporters took to Smale’s Facebook page to commend her choice to stop the oppositon. “You should be very proud of who you are and what you do to inspire others not to be afraid of being true to themselves,” wrote one person. “Absolutely disgusted that anyone feels they have the right to tell anyone how they should look, least of all someone with a perfect figure in the minds of many. Proud of you for standing up for what’s right…” wrote another.
Smale told TODAY that she hopes young women learn from her decision. “I hope others can see it’s not okay to be treated this way and the number on a clothing label doesn’t define how successful you will be in life,” she said.