Feature: Miss Universe Controversey

Credits to E! Online for the picture.

Pageant contestants may be beautiful, but the outcome of one Miss Universe crowning is not so pretty. According to Japan Today, Ariana Miyamoto has been chosen to represent Japan in the Miss Universe pageants. However, MSNBC confirms, Miyamoto has gained backlash and some rather controversial commentary.

Miss Miyamoto caused this backlash due to being the child of a Japanese woman and African-American man. In her homeland of Japan, she is referred to as a haafu, the term used in that country to describe one whose heritage is half-Japanese. Dozens of online users disagree with the decision to crown Miyamoto. 

"Is it okay to choose a haafu to represent Japan?" an anonymous commenter questioned, as translated on Washington Post. 

Contrarily, other online users express positivity for Miyamoto's crowning, such as Akino Sakoaka on Twitter, as mentioned by Washington Post as well. "The coolest thing happened in Japan! She is from Nagasaki, my hometown," the commenter expressed. 

Ariana Miyamoto, despite all the drama, keeps up a positive attitude. “The world competition is going to be tough, but I’ll believe in myself and continue doing me best!” she said, according to Japan Today.

-Catherine Cober