Miss Universe (Photo : Instagram)
Saly Greige, Lebanon's Miss Universe representative received unpleasant comments from her own countrymen after Miss Israel Doron Matalon posted an Instagram photo of them along with two other candidates on her Instagram account.
The controversial photograph along with the comments posted on it instigated an international scrutiny about the tensed political situation between Lebanon and Israel.
Several angry Lebanese took their anger to Twitter and posted tweets using an Arabic hashtag that roughly translates to "A word to Miss Lebanon." It started a trend among Lebanon's Twitter users and the hashtag was used more than 7,000 times, according to BBC.
When confronted about the incident, Matalon said, "We went to the event, and I sat next to Miss Lebanon, Miss Slovenia and Miss Japan and took a selfie, a simple one, and just like any girl, I posted it."
Miss Lebanon on the other hand, offered an explanation of her Facebook page saying that she was doing everything to avoid making contact with Miss Israel. She also added that she was trying to take a photo of herself along with Miss Japan and Miss Slovenia when Miss Israel photobombed them.
The Lebanese government has already launched a formal investigation to find out the real intention behind the photo, according to Associated Press. The report also added that Greige could face serious implications for her actions.
The Miss Universe Organization shared its dismay about the recent scandal that stained the competitions aim to promote "universal friendship." Despite the international uproar, the organization still carries on with its schedule of activities.
It is still unclear whether or not Miss Lebanon will join the pageant night which will be held on Jan. 25.
The same incident happened 22 years ago during the 1993 Miss Universe pageant when the Lebanese government stripped the beauty title from its then Miss Lebanon after see was seen arm-in-arm with Miss Israel.
