Teen's loss of beauty title creates global stir

Olivia O'Neil says she was pressured into surrendering her crown. Photo / APN

The case of a Wanganui teen beauty queen forced to surrender her crown after being harassed for darkening her hair has sparked an international response.

Olivia O'Neil, 15, became Miss Teen Wanganui in April with bleached blonde streaks but recently fell out with former pageant director Barbara Osborne.

Olivia said she had been harassed for darkening her hair and posting photos on Facebook, with Ms Osborne commenting, "Please tell me that's a wig".

Olivia said she was pressured to give up her crown and told she would not go far with her attitude.

The appearance of the story on the Herald website prompted a fierce outcry from overseas readers, particularly those in the United States.

"I say Olivia should be commended for being a strong young woman who backs up her beliefs and convictions," wrote Regina Rochelle, from Memphis.

"That makes a better role model than someone who sits around looking pretty for no reason at all."

Becca Krebs warned that it wasn't just about looks - it was a civil rights issue.

"Do not trivialise it simply because the subject is a beauty pageant. Next time, it might be you getting fired because you violated unknown 'expectations of appearance' at your place of employment."

Some, however, said Olivia simply looked better blonde.

"The girl should lose the crown," said Sam Oldershaw. "She is quite Plain Jane-looking in dark brown hair and that was not as she presented herself to the pageant. She also needs to get a stiffer upper lip when it comes to taking a redress."

Media who have picked up on the story include the Chicago Tribune, which wrote: "Blondes have more fun and, apparently, get to keep their pageant titles."

Olivia's case is apparently not the first time Ms Osborne has quarrelled with a winner of a pageant she organised. Last year, Miss Teen Christchurch Jana Hurst said she had been pressured to write emails praising Ms Osborne and was promised gifts that never eventuated.

New Wanganui pageant director Jevan Goulter, who is running for the mayoralty, denied Olivia's hair colour had anything to do with her surrendering her crown, instead saying a written exchange between Olivia and Ms Osborne had put the pageant in disrepute.

Olivia had given up her rhinestone crown herself, Mr Goulter said. The pageant last night put it up for sale on Trade Me.

Mr Goulter met lawyers yesterday to seek legal advice about the clash and alleged misinformation in the ensuing publicity.

Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws has joined the fray on Olivia's side, offering her help with media relations and attacking Mr Goulter.

"This is bullying, pure and simple," Mr Laws said.