Miss SA finalist Levern José withdraws from pageant in wake of bullying claims
Levern José who was one of the 12 finalists for Miss SA 2023- came under fire after her alleged past resurfaced on Twitter.
Miss SA top 12 finalist Levern Jose. Picture: @Levern_Jose/Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – Top 12 Miss SA finalist Levern José has withdrawn from the competition in the wake of bullying accusations levelled against her.
The Miss SA hopeful was last week accused of being “mean” and a “bully” by social media users who claimed to be her former schoolmates.
READ: Miss SA finalist under fire over claims of school bullying
Is she not acting as a victim on this other side? The lack of accountability sis! ????????♀️???? pic.twitter.com/ivbMg8YBqC
‘ ????Oleander???? (@QueenOleanderQO) June 20, 2023
José responded to the allegations in a statement from Miss South Africa confirming her withdrawal.
In the statement, she said she herself was a victim of bullying and she learned to protect herself.
“As a survivor of bullying, I learned how to protect myself from bullying during my school years. If my actions in protecting myself caused harm to anyone, I offer my sincere apologies. The pain of being a target has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I would never intentionally cause hurt or contribute to someone else’s suffering,” her statement reportedly said.
I knew if she apologized it won’t make a difference, just like her withdrawal is not making any difference to the hate mob.
And believe me @Levern_Jose the fact they feel they have triumphed, they will chase you with this wherever you go.
They are in a triumphant isn’t mood. https://t.co/daswiYvRDB
‘ Make Elon’s App Homely like Facebook (@AntwoordWeer) June 20, 2023
I wonder if you would echo the same sentiments had she bullied your sister or brother
‘ Brian (@Bruno_Mabanice) June 20, 2023
She said she is a survivor of bullying but then continued to bully others , knowing very well how bullying affected her , wow Levern José wow https://t.co/yWdd0YvjT9
‘ YomXhosa (@baddietenn) June 20, 2023
The Miss South Africa Organisation said that it accepted her decision to withdraw from the pageant.
“The Miss South Africa Organisation does not condone bullying of any kind. We accept Levern’s decision to pull out of the competition and respect her for owning her truth and taking this time to focus on her own healing.”
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