You chose to be born black: Miss Universe Malaysia apologises for racist comments

Samantha Katie James, former Miss Universe Malaysia, has issued an apology for her insensitive remarks in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. 

In a series of posts on her Instagram stories, the 2017 beauty queen wrote, “I do hear you. I know you’re hurting. I know it’s unfair. I’m not in your shoes to understand this fully.”

This comes after her previous remarks sparked outrage among netizens. James had said, “You chose to be born as a ‘coloured’ person in America for a reason. To learn a certain lesson. Accept it as it is, till now hunger and poverty still exist. It is what it is. It's inevitable. Best you can do is remain calm, protect heart, don't allow it to crumble. That's your responsibility.”

Her callous remarks have come at a sensitive time when Blacks worldwide have joined African Americans in calling for fair treatment of all people no matter their race. The movement has gained a global following after a video of US citizen George Floyd pleading for his life circulated online. Floyd is one among many African Americans who have lost their lives as a result of racism in the hands of policemen. 

Miss Universe Malaysia 2017. What a shame.

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In her apology James wrote, “Furthermore, you asked me to explain what I meant by 'black people chose to be black' is that throughout my journey I have learned that we are more than just temporary physical body, like an avatar, merely a tiny speck of dust in this vast infinite universe.

“In our process towards evolution as a human being, on earth. We chose our body, our family, our place of birth, our name and our lessons from the path we take tailor made for us.”

She went on to say, “If I had been more attentive in how I wrote it, the message would have been understood as a heartfelt message to all victims of racism be it any colour.”

Lost revenue and partnerships

James has since lost her Instagram blue tick, a sign that one’s account has been verified.

Malaysian beauty company Velvet Vanity, on its Instagram, announced that it had cut ties with James saying, “Any post featuring Miss Samantha Katy was made before this case and we are not affiliated with her anymore. 

“As a brand we support #blacklivesmatter and we would never associate ourselves with racist behaviours in any way.”

There have been calls for her to be stripped of her Miss Universe title with a petition on Change.org getting more than 10,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.