A 39-year-old Iranian-born mother has been crowned Miss Germany for 2024. The win comes after the pageant adjusted its rules on age, which formerly stated that participants had to be under the age of 39.
A year ago, Apameh Schönauer wouldn't have been able to participate in the beauty pageant, but today she is "endlessly grateful" for the opportunity to not only have been able to take part, but also to have won the title this year. "Now it's official, Miss Germany 2024 is @apijoon ," the official Miss Germany page posted to its Instagram. "How did you like the show?"
During the contest, Apameh talked about wanting to advocate for women who are dealing with the difficulties of being a migrant in Germany. Her win is a symbol of the contest taking a step toward embracing inclusivity.
"I did it Call me 'Miss Germany 2024,’ she captioned an Instagram post. "I have to use the time today and process everything first. I'm super super grateful Thank you for your support & I’m VERY excited for everything to come . #MissGermany2024."
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While many people celebrated the pageant winner, others hurled comments of negativity her way.
"As a Czech I have to say I am sorry for you," one person wrote. "You got a lot of beautiful women in your country and they choose this? Wtf…."
"I am sorry but you don’t deserve and I am not even German," another user commented. "I say this with all respect. But you only won because it is now important to be diverse and woke, not because of your beauty."
The beauty pageant had to make a post on their Instagram platform to clarify things amid the negativity.
“Miss Germany is an award for women who take responsibility,” it read. Apameh reiterated the statement, saying, “Miss Germany is not a beauty contest, but an award for women taking responsibility since 2019.”
Apameh moved to Germany with her parents when she was only 6 years old and openly talked about struggling to fit in at school. She eventually found an organization called Shirzan, which provides oppressed women with the means to share their stories.
“I still can’t believe it,” she wrote. “The criteria [for the pageant]? Professionalism, potential for development and inspiration + on a mission. My mission is to encourage young girls to become all they can dream of if you just work hard enough for it. Female Leader Award means taking responsibility. This is what I do and I'm happy if you join me.”
While many people flooded her posts with negativity, others celebrated Apameh for her win.
"As a German with German roots I distance myself from all these discriminating and hurtful comments of the Ur Germans and say: you go girl ❤," one user wrote. "Thank you for being part of Germany and a role model to the 60% of Germans 'with migration background'. Thank you for accepting the prize and now joining this debate."
The Deutsche Telekom account commented: "Happy birthday dear api! The reactions in the comments underscore the importance of taking a stand online. We hope that you will take the positive comments especially to heart. It's more important than ever that we stand together against hate on the internet and take a stand. We've got your back! ❤️ #GegenHassImNetz."
