Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu: Battling Bullying Over Weight Gain

May 2024 · 2 minute read

Harnaaz Sandhu, the recently crowned Miss Universe 2021, has opened up about facing online bullying due to weight gain.

Sandhu, who expressed confidence in her body weight, recounted the profound impact of the bullying on her.

Speaking to People on Thursday, August 5, the 22-year-old model said;

“Physically I have kind of grown, got more pounds and increased my weight, which I am totally comfortable about right now. [But] I was bullied for gaining weight.”

I was bullied for gaining weight - Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu

She further added that it was “uncomfortable and really surprising” that people had such strong opinions about her body. Despite her positive outlook, the harsh backlash has been enough to drive her to tears.

“It’s not about how you look, it’s about who you are inside and how you treat people and what you believe in. I definitely broke down so many times. Sometimes in the most unexpected times. I’m just about to go on stage or something and this whole thing comes in my mind. It’s really sad.”

I was bullied for gaining weight - Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu

Post winning the Miss Universe title, the Bollywood actress shared that she prioritized spending time with family over focusing on food and exercise.

“I’ve gone through that phase of my life where I used to feel bad about everything. Now, I started loving everything. It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to feel sad.”

By sharing her story, Sandhu expressed hope that others will also embrace their changing bodies. “We all are imperfect,” she said, adding that people need to “embrace” their flaws.

In December, Sandhu was crowned as the most beautiful woman in the world, an achievement she described as overwhelming given India’s 21-year wait for a Miss Universe crown.

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