The internet can be such a bad place, yes?
Zyra Nicole Cifra who received a Sherri Hill gown from Miss Bulgaria Violina Ancheva became a victim of cyberbullying after netizens said that she does not deserve to receive the gift because she’s well-off.
It may be recalled that Miss Bulgaria posted about wanting to leave the gown she wore at the 65th Miss Universe pageant with “a girl in need that can’t buy a dress.”
There are people who think that Cifra is overqualified because of her financial status. She has been receiving rude comments online. Miss Bulgaria promptly came to her defense.
“It’s hard to believe that it is possible (for) somebody to write negative and rude comments to one 15-year-old girl. The decision to give this dress to this girl was mine and you have to respect my decision,” Miss Bulgaria said in a video exclusively sent to CNN Philippines.
Read: Fairy tale: Miss Bulgaria gives Sherri Gil gown to single mom’s daughter
Cifra’s mother, Isay Gallano was also quick to point out that they are not financially well-off.
“Sometimes I don’t have the money to pay for my children’s tuition fee,” Gallano said.
The kindhearted beauty queen asked the public to stop the online bullying.
“The sparkle, the dress, the heels, the jewelry aren’t the most important thing in your life. The most important thing is your heart.” Ancheva said. “You teach me that we have to be better person and one day, all of us can be in need. We have to be ready to help each other, not to be rude. People, please stop.”
Cifra will wear the gown to her prom later this month.
