Original Material
Meet Russia's fascist-loving Miss Not-So-Charming
Olga Kuzkova, the “Miss Charm” winner of this year’s Miss Russia Premier League beauty contest, has lost her title, after being accused of sympathizing with white supremacists. The scandal began earlier this week, when Internet users discovered pictures on her Vkontakte social media page advocating the burning of Jews and North Caucasians, as well as photographs of her giving the Nazi salute.
Following the public uproar, Kuzkova deleted some of the questionable images, though others remain accessible on her page.
“14/88” in the photographs above is a coded message among white supremacists, and Kuzkova’s page on Instagram (inaccessible to the general public) also contains the number “88,” which means “Heil Hitler” in neonazi groups.
On July 21, the beauty contest’s jury decided to strip Kuzkova of her Miss Charm title. The day before, Kuzkova volunteered to give up the title, but Russia Premier League executive director Sergei Cheban asked her not to rush the decision. After consulting with members of the beauty contest’s jury, however, the league went ahead and recalled Kuzkova’s title.
“We do not tolerate displays of fascism, nationalism, or racism,” Cheban said. “It’s unfortunate that this happened. Nevertheless, I ask you to try to understand the situation and the person. We all make mistakes in our youth, and sometimes take the wrong path. Who is without sin? Some mistakes are easier to correct than others. I would be happy if this whole story helps Olga sort out her views on life.”