French Government Vows ’Intractable’ Response to Racist Attacks on Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Of Algerian father and Moroccan mother, Sabah Aib denounced the racist comments she has been the victim of on social networks since her coronation as Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais. "Since I was elected Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais, I have been facing a wave of racist hatred on social networks because of my origins. My name is part of my identity, and it has nothing to do with my nationality, France is a multicultural country and having a name that comes from elsewhere does not change the fact that I am French," wrote the 18-year-old woman in a long message on Instagram.

The favorite for the Miss France 2025 contest recalled that she was born in France, like her parents, and that she is proud to represent her region. "My election is proof that our region is rich in diversity and values, and I am proud to represent it," she said, before insisting: "Hatred has no place in our society, and I will continue to wear this title with pride, determination and respect for all. We are all equal, regardless of our name or our origins."

In response, the French government reaffirmed its commitment to fighting all forms of racism. "I asked the Dilcrah (Interministerial Delegation for the Fight against Racism, Anti-Semitism and Anti-LGBT Hatred) to file a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office following the outpouring of racist hatred against Ms. Sabah Aib, Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais," said Othman Nasrou, Secretary of State for Citizenship and the Fight against Discrimination, in a post on X. And to add: "We will be intractable in the face of racism and cyber-harassment. We will not let anything pass."