Outrage brigade attempts to slam Karl Stefanovic after he poked fun at ‘outdated’ beauty pageants during awkward Miss Universe interview – but many are quick to defend him
- Today host split opinion after asking whether beauty pageants were ‘outdated’
- Reacted after Aussie entrant said Miss Universe contestants ‘deserve to be there’
- ‘What a load of rubbish,’ Stefanovic joked, before model defended the concept
- The model Maria Thattil said contest gave her platform to speak about injustices
- Some viewers said host was ‘put in his place’; Nine said he was being sarcastic
Karl Stefanovic has divided opinion during an awkward interview with Australia’s Miss Universe contestant after he questioned whether beauty pageants are ‘outdated’ and ‘sexist’.
The Today show host was speaking to Miss Universe Australia, Maria Thattil, 27, who is competing in the international final in Miami in May, when she said all the entrants ‘deserve to be there’.
‘What a load of rubbish,’ Stefanovic said jokingly, before the model responded with a passionate defence of beauty pageantry.
‘We all deserve to be there because we wouldn’t if we didn’t,’ Ms Thattil hit back.
‘Listen to this guy. Thank God you’re not representing Australia and it’s me.’
Maria Thattil was crowned 2020’s Miss Universe Australia in October. Karl Stefanovic’s interview with the model has divided opinion after he questioned beauty pageants
The influencer and fashion blogger from Melbourne – who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a masters in human resources – won Miss Universe Australia in October 2020.
She appeared on the breakfast show wearing a black swan-inspired outfit made from a corset-style top and large feathered wings that protruded from her waist.
Stefanovic raised the argument that some consider beauty contests to be an ‘outdated’ and ‘sexist’ concept.
‘Think about the fact I’ve been on national television talking about racism, challenging what it means to be Australian, diversity and inclusion,’ Ms Thattil replied.
‘Had I not done something like this I wouldn’t have the platform [to raise the issues]. It’s what you make it.’
A Nine spokesman told Daily Mail Australia his comments were ‘clearly sarcasm’.
Stefanovic raised the argument that beauty contests are an ‘outdated’ and ‘sexist’ concept during the interview on Wednesday morning
Some viewers reacting to the segment online said Stefanovic had no reason to be so critical of beauty contestants.
‘Why is he so upset by this? She’s so right, they wouldn’t be there if they didn’t deserve it. She’s beautiful – spreading her message and positivity,’ one wrote.
‘What an amazing answer. She put him in his place respectfully. Queen!!’ another said.
Others though thought Stefanovic was simply playing devil’s advocate to make the interview more interesting, while some agreed with his stance.
‘Do you watch this show regularly? Do you understand the dynamic and satire of the show and its hosts?,’ one person wrote.
Ms Thattil will head overseas to compete in the Miss Universe international final in May thanks to a special travel exemption
‘She handled it well. But a lot of women agree with his remarks. It’s why a lot of these style “competitions” have stopped.’
Ms Thatti, who was born in Australia to Indian migrants, will head overseas to compete in the international final in May thanks to a special travel exemption.
Her costume – which she will wear to the competition – was designed by Perth designer Nicola Yeung.
Ms Yeung also created 2019 Miss Universe Australia Francesca Hung’s national gown, which was inspired by golden wattle.
The influencer and fashion blogger from Melbourne – who has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a masters in human resources – won Miss Universe Australia in October 2020
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