Recently, a 19-year-old girl named Yael Shelbia from Israel was crowned the most beautiful face of the year by TC Candler and The Independent Critics. She also beat Gal Gadot, who was positioned 21st on the list of 100, reports The Times Of Israel.
“It’s very exciting and flattering. I don’t know why they chose me, I think beauty is so individual and all women are beautiful,” Yael said.
The woman, who has modelled for KKW Beauty and Kylie Jenner, took to Instagram to break the news. She says that while there have been thousands of people who wished her well and showered her with compliments, there has also been a large number of people who have trolled her, left insensitive comments with the hashtag #UglyQueen, reports The Sun.
NDTV quoted her saying:
“I’ve received a large amount of support and love, also suitor messages I must admit, and messages that weren’t the nicest. They said the normal things that haters say, nothing worth any attention.”
Speaking about what makes a woman, rather anybody beautiful, Yael said, “I think what makes a person beautiful is to be kind, humble and most of all – positive. When you are good, it is really shown in your eyes and eyes never lie.”
The competition to choose the 100 most beautiful faces is not country-specific or a popularity contest. The ranking is decided by a diverse group of 20 people from across the world and the only criteria is “aesthetic perfection”.
While public figures have a lot to thank social media for, incessant online trolling isn’t one of them. Several celebrities in India have spoken about trolls and how it affects their mental health. While it is a shame that Yael Shelbia has to face hate at such a young age, we can only hope that she finds a healthy way to cope with it because her journey has just begun!