Roma Michael speaks out after swimsuit controversy

Model Roma Michael has revealed that she avoided returning to Pakistan for some time, fearing retaliation after videos of her wearing a swimsuit at an international beauty pageant went viral.

Roma participated in the ‘Miss Grand International’ beauty pageant held in the Philippines in October 2024, where she wore a swimsuit.  She faced criticism for wearing the outfit while representing Pakistan at the competition.

She was not sent by the government or any official organization to the competition; she participated independently but represented Pakistan.

The government of Pakistan and the country’s cultural, fashion, and showbiz institutions do not officially recognize or participate in beauty pageants and similar events. However, in recent times, models have independently participated in various beauty pageants.

Now, addressing the issue, she stated, “After the videos and pictures of my wearing the swimsuit went viral, I received threats, which made me hesitant to return to Pakistan.”

Speaking on the FHM podcast, she said, "Some friends advised me not to come to the country for some time, so I did not return to Pakistan immediately after the ‘Miss Grand International’ event."

She explained, "I had informed the event organizers that I would not wear a swimsuit as such clothes and events are not recognized in my country, but they did not listen to me."

According to Roma Michael, the event organizers had initially agreed to provide her with a hijab, but ultimately, she was not given one and had to participate without a burqa or hijab, wearing the swimsuit. 

She remarked, "The social media page on which the event was being broadcast live was viewed mostly by Indians, not Pakistanis, and it was Indian people who spread my videos on social media."

She explained, "After my videos were spread by Indian people, media houses around the world reported on me, and subsequently, I was reported in the Pakistani media as well, which led to public anger."

Due to the backlash, she avoided returning to Pakistan for some time. However, she now feels that she is not in any danger.