Twitter Erupts Over Miss Jamaica

Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennel

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 26, 2015: Boos erupted across social media site Twitter last night as Miss Jamaica was named only the fourth runner up in the Miss Universe pageant and Miss Colombia was crowned the 2015 winner.

The conclusion in the minds of many on Twitter was that Jamaica’s Kaci Fennel was robbed of the title.

Some blamed it on race while others thought it was due to her short hair since most Miss Universe contestants are known for their long tresses. To that Fennel had said: “’I don’t have long tresses like everyone else, I’m just representing myself and that’s what beauty pageants are all about. You don’t have to look a certain way … and I feel like I represent that.”

Only four black women have ever won Miss Universe.

Still others, fighting for logical reasons, blamed the geographical size of Jamaica as well as Fennel’s answer during the Q&A segment.

Fennel, a striking beauty who exuded confidence, showed intelligence and demonstrated an unconventional style,  made the top 10 of the competition easily. Looking stunning in her evening gown she became the lone Caribbean contestant to take her spot in the top 10 at the 63rd annual pageant. She then moved on to the top five easily with cheers from many Jamaicans and millions of others watching globally, including the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt.

Asked what her country contributed to the world, she called Bob Marley and Usain Bolt the greatest contributions –an unlikely answer in the minds of some, but others saw honesty in her answer that other contestants would be afraid to show. Twitter erupted in applause.

Yet at the end of the night, the Miss Universe crowned was no Miss Jamaica but Miss Colombia Paulina Vega. The first runner-up was Miss USA Nia Sanchez while the second runner-up was Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha.

Still many fans consoled themselves with the fact while Fennel didn’t win she nearly “broke the Internet.” Immediately after the pageant, the hashtag, #MissJamaicaShouldHaveWon, was trending.

Contestants from more than 80 other countries vied for the title at Sunday’s pageant in Miami.