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Miss Iraq Says Pageant Selfie Led to Death Threats

Photo credit: Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
Photo credit: Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

From Cosmopolitan

When Sarah Idan competed at Miss Universe this year, it was the first time in 45 years that Iraq sent a contestant in the pageant. But what was supposed to be a positive moment for Idan turned into something much scarier. CNN reports that Idan is now facing death threats for posting a selfie with Miss Israel, and her family has been forced to flee their home.

During rehearsals for the live pageant, Idan took a photo with Miss Israel, Adar Gandelsman. "I said, 'let's take a picture so our people can see we don't have a problem and we're actually ambassadors for peace,’” Idan told CNN. Both Idan and Gandelsman then shared the selfie on their Instagram accounts. “Peace and love from Miss Iraq and Miss Israel,” Idan wrote in her caption. “This is Miss Iraq and she’s amazing,” Gandelsman added.