By: Natasha Archary
Top 12 finalist, Levern José has decided to withdraw from the Miss SA pageant amid allegations of bullying levelled against her.
With calls for the pageant to take a stance and remove Levern as a finalist growing, the BCom Law student decided to withdraw from the pageant, claiming she was also bullied in school.
The Miss SA organisation remained tight-lipped after a number of women spoke out about Levern bullying them in high school, but has since called the allegations baseless.
In a statement issued by Miss SA on Monday, 19 June, the organisation says that Levern has received counselling from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) as the weight of the past few weeks has taken a toll on the former finalist.
“As a survivor of bullying, I learned how to protect myself from bullying during my school years. If my actions in protecting myself caused harm to anyone, I offer my sincere apologies.
The pain of being a target has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I would never intentionally cause hurt or contribute to someone else’s suffering.
Kindness, respect and empathy have always been my guiding principles and I have unwaveringly worked to adhere to these values. It deeply troubles me that such grave accusations could be levelled against me.
While I firmly believe in my own accountability and responsibility, I also hold steadfastly to the principles of fairness and justice.”
Levern José on withdrawing from the Miss SA pageant amid allegations of bullying against her
The Miss SA organisation says it respects Levern’s decision and does not condone bullying of any kind.
“Miss South Africa organisation does not condone bullying of any kind. We accept Levern’s decision to pull out of the competition and respect her for owning her truth and taking this time to focus on her own healing.”
Also read: Mobi Dixon was a victim of racial harassment and assault
