All that seemed to culminate at last night's pre-taped competition, when contestant Bernadette Belle Ong wore a red and white cape with"Stop Asian Hate" in a brush-stroke-style font printed on the back for the show's national costume portion on the runway.
"What is this platform for if I can't use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence," Ong wrote on Instagram afterward of the look, which was designed by Arwin Meriales."it symbolises unity for all and social harmony in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and inter-religious country."
The powerful message comes during AAPI Heritage Month and an ongoing wave of anti-Asian violence. Ong, who was born in the Philippines but raised in Singapore, added that she wears her country proud and strong before thanking the Miss Universe pageant for giving her the platform to raise awareness. So many impactful pieces from this year's delegates! Don't forget to vote for your favorite costume at… https://t.co/HIqPztSElhMiss Canada Nova Stevens, another early fan-favorite, opted for a Wakanda-inspired costume as a"fight for equality" complete with full-body armor and shield that represented"strength and resistance.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.