Algerian beauty queen Khadija Ben Hamou responds to racist abuse: ‘I will not back down’

'I am honoured that I have achieved my dream'

Khadija Ben Hamou, winner of the 2019 Miss Algeria beauty pageant, has hit back at the racist abuse she’s received since taking part in the competition.

Ben Hamou became the second black woman ever to be crowned Miss Algeria on 5 January, following Nassima Mokadem who was made the winner in 2005.

Since her win, Ben Hamou has been inundated with racist comments from online trolls who've insulted her skin colour and facial features.

The beauty pageant contestant has responded to the derogatory comments, sharing the pride that she feels in her identity.

"I will not back down because of the people who criticised me," she told Algerian news site TSA.

"I am honoured that I have achieved my dream, and I am honoured by the state of Adrar where I come from."

Ben Hamou comes from southern Adrar, the second largest province in Algeria.

Adrar is situated around the Sahara Desert and is a predominantly agricultural area.

Miss Algerie, the organisation that runs the Miss Algeria beauty pageant, has expressed its disapproval over the racist vitriol Ben Hamou has had to face.

"Miss Algeria's organisation deplores the racist behaviour and comments of several people," it stated on Facebook.

Ben Hamou has also received numerous messages of support from people online.

"This beautiful lady is Khadija Ben Hamou. She was just chosen Miss Algeria 2019," tweeted Jenan Moussa, a reporter for television station Al Aan TV.

"Sadly some users on Arab Twitter are attacking and insulting her because she is a woman of colour.

"You are stunning Khadija. Let's show her some love."

Ben Hamou will go on to represent Miss Algeria at the Miss World 2019 beauty pageant.