The weight of this Miss Universe contestant, who placed in the top 20, was deemed “disgusting” — pictures
Jane Garrett, the first plus-sized contestant in Miss Universe history to place in the top 20, was praised and criticized throughout her time competing. See stunning photos of the stunning woman who stood up to the nasty comments made against her by some.
In November 2023, El Salvador was the focus of attention as contestants from 84 countries participated in the 72nd annual Miss Universe pageant. Among them was Jane Dipika Garrett, who represented Nepal with poise and determination.
At the early age of 22, Garrett became the first plus-sized delegate in the competition’s history, attracting international attention and shattering stereotypes in a field that is often defined by conventional beauty standards.
She was a native of Kathmandu who made an impression in the prestigious competition, which has previously produced well-known winners like Olivia Culpo.
She represented her country as Miss Universe Nepal and gained admirers with her unwavering support and good looks.
A Trailblazer on the Miss Universe Stage
Garrett, a nursing student, promoted body acceptance, mental health, PCOS, and hormonal health while delivering a powerful message of inclusivity.
Her holistic approach to beauty, which put content over style, won her praise from all around the world. Garrett’s participation signaled a shift in the beauty industry toward diversity acceptance that went beyond merely honoring her nation’s reputation abroad.
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Wearing a metallic one-piece halterneck swimsuit, she confidently walked the runway. The waist ruching not only highlighted her figure but also conveyed a sense of self-assurance.
Garrett paid homage to her South Asian ancestry in the realm of evening gowns. She looked gorgeous in a crimson and gold figure-hugging dress that combined traditional design elements with contemporary flair. The intricate design and eye-catching colors demonstrated her passion for presenting Nepal and its rich history.
But during her historic run at Miss Universe 2023, Garrett spoke openly about the highs and lows of her journey. She was the first plus-sized competitor to place in the top 20, and her journey was filled with challenges and successes.
About Breaking Down Barriers and Accepting Criticism
Following her departure from Miss Universe 2023, Garrett spoke candidly about her struggles with self-worth, her desire to inspire others, and the critical feedback she encountered during her journey.
Garrett admitted that placing in the top 20 was a pleasant surprise. She had previously battled eating issues and low self-esteem, so she felt the achievement was really reassuring. She remarked, “I honestly did not anticipate receiving that much attention or applause on stage.”
And I didn’t anticipate anything. My only goal was to speak for women everywhere and for my country. Garrett went on, “And I wanted to do it.”
Her on-stage act not only won her many accolades, but it also altered the way society perceives beauty. “When I won on that stage, I received the loudest applause from the entire audience, even though I came with a humble heart,” she said.
Miss Universe Nepal continued, “And that felt so good because it was like a breakthrough moment for me and for society that they see something different, that they see real-size beauty.”
Garrett posted on Instagram to celebrate, saying, “Top 20 baby!” even though her trip ended when she made the top 20. I am grateful to everyone of my admirers and supporters. What matters is that I gave it my all.
The caption continued, “I’m so proud to be breaking the stereotypes of beauty pageants and representing real-size beauty around the world.” I’m thrilled with the new Miss Universe and will always cherish this life-changing moment.
Garrett’s boldness inspired many; one commenter exclaimed, “Goddess!” “Very lovely,” another social media user wrote. Third, the words “Gorgeous baby” and “You are very beautiful” were typed.
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But her looks was condemned in a number of online comments, thus her presence also garnered harsh criticism. “Lol, I have seen girls much prettier than her,” one person said. Another person wrote, “Miss Jumbo! Don’t miss the universe.” A third person added, “Really! There is nothing good to say about you.
According to Garrett, she was aware of some of the disparaging comments being made about her. “I see things like ‘Oh, she’s a whale,’ or ‘That’s disgusting.'” I’m about to vomit. “She’s promoting obesity,” for instance.”How about you go to the gym?” and such. They also don’t seem to know my story. “They don’t understand what I’m going through,” she stated.
Garrett says she has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a medical condition that causes hormonal imbalances and makes it hard to keep a steady weight, as the cause of her weight problems. As a result, it is quite easy for us to gain weight. “Even looking at a piece of cake can cause us to gain weight,” she stated.
Due to PCOS and hormonal issues, she had put on a lot of weight, which had a detrimental effect on her mental health and self-esteem because she momentarily felt unattractive and inadequate.
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Looking back on her early years, the South Asian beauty disclosed that she tried to fit in with society norms by engaging in undesirable behaviors since she wanted to be a model.
When I was younger, I used to starve myself because I also wanted to be a model. I experienced a lot of eating disorders and mental health issues because I wanted to be a model when I was younger,” Garrett said.
She continued, “And all the girls around me were really skinny, especially when you’re a teenager, because that’s just their body type.” And comparing myself to many of the girls there would make me feel inadequate.
After learning to love herself, Garrett stated, “I had to really remove all of those messages that were coming from society as well as coming from my own mind.” Therefore, in order to love and accept who I am, I had to brainwash myself again.
Once she was on the Miss Universe stage, she decided to disregard the criticism. “The problem with [the detractors] is that they are only using social media to attack me. It doesn’t concern me. In society, cruelty is rampant. “People can be really harsh at times,” she remarked.
Despite the backlash, Garrett continued to work to promote body positivity and alter beauty standards. In my view, body positivity just means accepting your current physical appearance. In addition to loving and accepting who you are, you’re also taking steps toward leading a healthy lifestyle,” she stated.
In April 2024, Garrett returned to the runway, dazzling audiences with a glittering body-con dress and showcasing her unwavering confidence and advocacy.
Jane Garrett’s journey in the 72nd Annual Miss Universe pageant was about more than just competition; it was about destroying stereotypes and sparking change.
Her perseverance left a lasting impact on the beauty industry by proving to the world that genuine beauty transcends size and that sincerity always radiates the brightest.