Black Miss Spain Faces Racist Backlash After Historic Win

Racist comments are pouring in from all sides since the election of Athena Perez as Miss Spain. "Totally disagree, SPANISH women, the representatives of Spain must present themselves," "It’s like a blonde with blue eyes being Miss Iran. Question: what is the point of presenting a candidate who does not represent the aesthetics or genetics of the country? It’s absurd," can be read among other reactions. But the young woman was already the target of racist attacks before her coronation on Saturday.

A few days earlier, she denounced on several television programs these racist attacks she is the target of on social networks because of her color and her origin. "Imagine being black and from Murcia, then they say that God does not punish twice," "She is more suited to Miss Morocco, she does not look like Murcia, not even approximately," "But why doesn’t this girl compete for Guinea if she is from there," are some of the comments she had to endure before and after her election.

Athenea Pérez is used to this kind of racist comments. "I was one of the first young women of color to enter school, and in the rhythmic gymnastics groups, I was the only black girl... Now, with my age and maturity, I realize that I was also a leader at that time, so I always strive to be able to inspire and be a reference for future generations, because that way society in general will be better," explains the young woman.

Known to some Internet users as the daughter of a Spaniard, and more specifically a Murcian, and a Guinean, Athenea Pérez was born in Murcia and is a true Spaniard, they have indicated. Athena is "proud" to wear the Spanish colors and represent her country at Miss Universe. The case of the new Miss Spain is another proof of the worrying rise of racism in Spain, after the Vinicius affair or the Atlas Lions.