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Beauty queen forced to apologize after being caught giving rivals sick name in pageant scandal
A backstage video from the Miss France 2026 pageant has erupted into a major scandal after one contestant was caught calling her rivals “whores” following the announcement of the finalists.
The footage, originally shared by celebrity blogger Aqababe, was recorded on a private Snapchat account belonging to Ainhoa Lahitete (Miss Aquitaine 2025), and captured both her and Julie Zitouni (Miss Provence 2025) expressing harsh frustration after they were left out of the Top 12. The clip quickly went viral on social media, leaving pageant fans and fellow contestants outraged.
Zitetouni was seen smiling as Lahitete asked “Sorry, but what is this Top 12? I don’t mean to be a sore loser, but what is this Top 12?” Immediately afterwards Zitouni said, “Just a bunch of whores,” before the camera cut away.
The backlash was swift, and within hours Zitouni posted a lengthy apology on Instagram. She insisted her words were ill‑judged and did not reflect her true opinion of the other candidates.
Lahitete followed with her own statement, calling the remarks unacceptable even if they “were not meant as an insult”. She said she fully acknowledged the inappropriate language and apologised to those offended.
Leaked remarks spark uproar
The video’s release stirred strong reactions from fans and competitors alike. Many condemned the language as disrespectful and unworthy of a pageant meant to celebrate grace and unity.
The fact that the comments were made in private — and not during the live event — did little to soften the blow. Instead the leak raised fresh questions about backstage tensions and the pressure contestants face when elimination looms.
Contestants and organisers attempt damage control
Zitouni tried to explain that she had used the French word “pute” in a colloquial manner, meaning “the lucky ones,” though she admitted that the expression was awkward and poorly chosen. She said:
“A private video is circulating and I would like to react immediately. The words I said are awkward and absolutely do not reflect what I think of the candidates.”
She went on to stress that most of those who made the Top 12 are friends of hers and that she would never have meant to hurt them. She also revealed that she had initially declined the idea of being in the Top 12 even before the final selection. She said she simply realised she could not manage the demands of the role. She added:
“I sincerely respect those who have been chosen: they totally deserve it.”
“As soon as the video leaked, I explained myself directly with the candidates concerned and apologised to them. They heard my explanations but they know. and I thank them for their understanding.”
“I take responsibility for this clumsiness. I deeply regret that my words were interpreted as a lack of respect because it was absolutely not my intention.”
Lahitete echoed the apology in her own statement: “Following the announcement of the Top 12 of Miss France 2026 and in a video intended for a private circle but which was relayed publicly, I approved unacceptable remarks made by another regional miss of the competition, against all the regional misses of the Miss France 2026 promotion.”
Pageant troubles continue beyond this clash
The controversy around Miss France comes only weeks after chaos at Miss Universe 2025, where a judge resigned in protest over alleged conflicts of interest behind finalist selection.
More drama unfolded when the pageant’s president made derogatory remarks about one contestant.
That incident triggered a mass walkout by several models, including the reigning Miss Universe. These repeated scandals have cast a shadow over pageant culture and raised serious concerns over how these competitions are run.