New Delhi: In the current times when fashion has been pushing boundaries created by cultural and social taboos, a Pakistani model, Roma Michael stirred some heated controversy.
The model walked down the Miss Grand International 2024 ramp in a stunning golden bikini. While most international fans and pageant enthusiasts love the outfit, Roma’s walk created quite the backlash.
Proud of her walk, Roma Michael uploaded a video featuring the empowering walk on her Instagram account. However, the clip was soon deleted after the comment section reportedly was filled with criticism and hate for the model’s choices. Here is what went down.
Why did Roma Michael delete her bikini catwalk video?
Following the intense backlash in her comment section, Roma Michael reportedly deleted the clip. It has been reported that the model faced criticism and pressure from conservative moral standards in Pakistan. Although the video also generated a ton of praise for her walk, beauty and bold attitude, it is speculated that Roma’s decision to delete the video came after indecent comments.
Who is Roma Michael?
A Pakistani model, Roma Michael became an overnight star after her golden biking walk at the Miss Grand International 2024 event. Hailing from Lahore, Pakistan, the model has a BTech from the University of South Asia. She began her modelling career with an internship at Faces Pakistan back in 2013 that eventually turned into a modelling gig. Since then, Roma has collaborated with various designers and walked in major events such as the Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) and Fashion Pakistan Week (FPW) from 2016 to 2019.
Expanding her territory, Rom Michael has also starred in movies and TV shows like – Delhi Gate, Kahey Dil Jidher, and Tu Zindagi Hai. Not only this, as per a report by the Express Tribune, the model-actress has represented Pakistan at the international level in events such as Cannes Fashion Week and the Dubai Fashion Show.
Debate around Roma Michael’s bikini walk
The video itself sparked controversy in the digital space. In addition to that, the fact that Roma deleted the video due to hate comments, netizens took her side and empathised with her. “She participated at Miss World Grand Show. She deleted this video from Instagram coz Pakistani people started threatening and abusing her for ruining the name of Pakistan. Just another day of the Pakistani Muslim majority controlling the lives of Pakistani minorities,” wrote one user. The debate comes after many pointed out that while Roma’s decision might go against Islamic practices, some called her brave for choosing personal freedom over cultural representation. Which side are you on? Does Roma Michael’s bikini walk deserve the hate it’s getting? Is this a positive or negative move for the Pakistani fashion industry?
