Bullying Scandal Rocks Miss SA 2023: Contestant Levern Donatella José Bows To Pressure, Withdraws from Competition
Levern’ Donatella’ José, one of the final 12 contestants in the Miss SA 2023 competition, has withdrawn from the event following accusations of bullying on social media.
Bullying Allegations Against Miss SA 2023 Contestant Levern José
IOL reports that former schoolmates who claimed to know her alleged that José was involved in leading a group of bullies during her high school years.
José, however, refuted these claims, stating that she had been a victim of bullying and had learned how to protect herself.
Levern’ Donatella’ José Apologises
She apologised to anyone who her actions may have harmed and expressed her determination to combat bullying and raise awareness about the issue.
“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.”
The Miss South Africa organisation, which disapproves of all forms of bullying, accepted José’s decision to withdraw and provided her with counselling through their mental health partner, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
According to SADAG spokesperson Cayley Jorgensen, bullying is a complex problem that profoundly affects the mental health of everyone involved. Jorgensen emphasised the importance of acknowledging the consequences of bullying and offering support to those impacted.
She also called for the creation of safe environments and the implementation of effective prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of bullying on mental well-being.
The Miss South Africa organisation has not announced a replacement for José among the top 12 finalists.
Mzansi Speaks After Miss SA Contestant Withdraws
South Africans expressed mixed reactions on Twitter following Levern ‘Donatella’ José’s withdrawal from Miss South Africa 2023.
Itopie:
“She must switch to Big Brother.”
Ms K:
“They bullied her out of the process. Good bullies must fall.”
Nolukhanyo:
“She must apologise to all her victims. Bullying affects individuals even in future. She could have apologised a long time ago before entering the pageant. So sad.”
Zami:
“This blue app is so messy. How does this happen every year now?”
Sizwe:
“She was a child, and now she is an adult. She can’t pay for the sins of the past.”