Grace Msalame sues Miss Curvy Uganda for using her body

TV personality Grace Msalame has taken legal action on Miss Curvy Uganda 2019 for using her image without consulting her.

In a statement seen by Ureport, Msalame noted that her image was being used to encourage objectification of women’s bodies, something that she strongly condemns.

She further added that a person’s body should never be used as a tourist attraction site since it is God-given and a reminder that we were created in His likeness.

“I would like to categorically state that my image and likeness are being used to propagate, disseminate and encourage the objectification of women’s bodies.

“I do not endorse or agree with such a message or anyone who is a creator or supporter of the idea that women’s bodies are tourist attraction sites.

“I reject any association to me that has been unlawfully created by Miss Curvy Uganda 2019 and its supporters or agents,” read her statement in part.

The mother of twins also stated that the use of her image had defamed her character and reputation, subjecting her to cyberbullying.

She concluded her statement by saying: “I strongly and categorically reject a message that pits women of different sizes against each other. I am in no way associated with an activity that objectifies women in the name of promoting culture.

“Women are people, they are not sex objects.”

Her sentiments come after social media was abuzz with news that Uganda intends to list their ‘curvy, sexy women’ as a tourist attraction that will earn the country foreign exchange.

Uganda State Minister for Tourism Godfrey Kiwanda noted that the beauty pageant dubbed ‘Miss Curvy Uganda’ had been launched and would be used to promote tourism in the East African country.

“We have naturally endowed nice looking women that are amazing to look at. Why don’t we use these people as a strategy to promote our tourism industry?” he said.

One of the organisers of the event, Ann Mugoma, echoed similar sentiments saying it would go a long way in enhancing Uganda’s visibility.

“Miss Curvy is an event that will bring out the endowment of the real African woman. It is an exceptional event that will see young ladies showcase their beautiful curves and intellect,” she stated.

Mungoma added that models with petite bodies are often celebrated while curvy women are not appreciated.