Miss Israel Says Viral Miss Universe Clip Triggered Death and Rape Threats — She Blames Editing and Camera Angle

Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz says viral clip sparked graphic threats

Miss Israel Melanie Shiraz, 27, says she has been inundated with death and rape threats after a short video clip circulated online that appeared to show her glaring at Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub, during the Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand.

Harassment began within hours

Shiraz told Fox News Digital the online abuse began within hours of the clip spreading, when many viewers interpreted her stage expression as directed at Ayoub. She said the footage looked cropped or clipped together in a way that singled her out.

"I don't know if that footage was edited or not, but it was definitely at least edited and cropped and clipped together in a way that made it look like I was the only one that was looking that way," she said.

Shiraz added that she initially suspected an AI manipulation but later concluded the disturbing impression came from a different camera angle that created a distorted perspective.

Graphic and antisemitic abuse

Describing the harassment as "graphic and disturbing," Shiraz recounted receiving messages that included death and sexual violence threats and antisemitic slurs. She said:

"This has been to the point of, 'I want to rape and kill you' or 'I hope that you end up like one of the hostages that got raped and shot in the head.' I've gotten, 'die you dirty Jew.'"

Shiraz said she expected heightened scrutiny as Israel's representative in a global contest, but not the level of explicit hostility and threats she has received.

She had hoped for dialogue

Before the controversy, Shiraz said she had hoped to use the pageant as a platform for conversation and even took steps toward contacting Ayoub after the latter posted photos from the event. Shiraz says some images showed her looking in Ayoub's direction; she asked that a few be removed, but said most remained online.

Context: camera focus and pageant setting

Shiraz described how one cameraman appeared to be centered on Ayoub while Shiraz stood behind her, a framing she believes contributed to the misleading impression created by the clip.

Background and response

A UC Berkeley graduate with an MBA, Shiraz previously worked in Israel's tech sector and founded a startup before entering pageantry. She says those experiences led her to advocacy work and that the pageant offered a chance to present a human side of Israel beyond political headlines.

Despite the abuse, Shiraz said the experience has strengthened her resolve. "It is very, very tough to be Jewish and Israeli in this day and age," she said. "It only reinforces to me that what I'm doing right now is important and that I shouldn't get distracted, just motivated."

Event status

The 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand features 121 contestants; the grand final was scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21. Fox News Digital has reached out to Miss Palestine for comment.