Miss Ukraine has been stripped of her crown after pageant officials discover she’s a divorced mother with a 4-year-old son, who is absent from her.
The Organizing Committee of Miss Ukraine 2018 released a statement regarding disqualification of Veronika Didiusenko, who had won the title. (Credit: The Organizing Committee of the National Beauty Contest “Miss Ukraine”)
“In accordance with the Rules for conducting the National Beauty Contest Miss Ukraine, a person who wishes to take part in the National Beauty Contest “Miss Ukraine” must comply, among other things, with the following requirements (valid for the period of the Contest): – not / was not married; – has no children,” the statement reads. “The same requirements are indicated in the official form (OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM), which is contained in the unified rules and conditions of participation in Miss World contest 2018.”
Didusenko, who works primarily with children as part of the Young Einsteins organization in Ukraine, allegedly did not disclose the truth in her paperwork and omitted information about her 4-year-old son, who is absent from her social media accounts.
However, some of her supporters think this shouldn’t be a reason to take away her title.
“I do not think that the child and the family should be an obstacle to their dream,” one person commented on Didusenko’s Instagram account. While another wrote, “It’s time to change the rules.”
But still, there are others who argue that a rule is a rule, and that Didusenko had no business breaking it. “The rules are the same for all, and Ukraine did not come up with them, but the founders of this world competition.”
Now, Miss Ukraine officials have yet to decide which contestamt will fill her position to compete in Miss Universe.
The competition’s jury plans to announce a new Miss Ukraine 2018 on Sept. 30 in a television broadcast, according to a statement.
In Didusenko’s most recent Instagram post, the model thanks fans for their “sincere support at such a difficult time,” and even acknowledges her growing following since the controversy. Now, with over 11,000 followers, Didusenko could have a future as a social media influencer despite losing her crown.
