- In October 2024, Roma Michael’s swimsuit ramp walk at Miss Grand International went viral, triggering significant backlash, despite her clarifying later that it was a mandatory requirement of the pageant.
- The controversy escalated after Indian media coverage, leading to widespread criticism in Pakistan, which she admitted she had underestimated.
- Fearing for her safety, Michael stayed abroad temporarily before returning to Pakistan, where some remarks about her faith slightly softened the criticism.
In October 2024, Roma Michael, a model and actress, found herself at the center of controversy after her swimsuit-clad ramp walk at Miss Grand International 2024 went viral.
The backlash was swift and intense, leading her to delete the videos. However, the images and clips continued to circulate widely online.
A month later, Michael addressed the issue during a podcast, explaining that wearing the swimsuit was not her choice but a requirement of the pageant.
She acknowledged the outfit’s conflict with cultural norms and admitted she anticipated some criticism but was unprepared for the magnitude of the public outcry.
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“It was part of the show’s format,” Michael explained, adding that she had requested a scarf but was denied. “The president of Miss Grand International is very strict and refused to modify the format. They told us burkinis or scarves were not allowed, and everyone had to wear the same swimsuits provided by the organizers.”
Michael revealed that the controversy escalated after Indian fans tagged her in posts, leading to widespread coverage in Indian media and eventually gaining attention in Pakistan. “It made me regret participating. I never imagined the reaction would be so overwhelming,” she admitted.
Initially, Michael underestimated the potential fallout, assuming her home country’s audience had little interest in live fashion events. However, as the videos went viral, the backlash left her anxious about returning to Pakistan.
“My friends advised me to stay abroad for a while, so I did,” she shared. Eventually, believing the uproar had subsided, she decided to come back.
Reflecting on the experience, Michael admitted she felt it would be challenging to live in Pakistan after the incident. Yet, she noted that some individuals remarked, “She’s Christian, so she can wear such dresses,” which slightly softened the criticism.
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