Toronto gives Miss Universe cold shoulder
Last Updated Tue, 19 Jul 2005 16:01:39 EDT
CBC News
The city of Toronto, which years ago prevented the Barenaked Ladies from playing at City Hall because of the group's name, has now barred Miss Universe from opening a festival over concerns about sexual stereotyping.
"I was a little bit hurt by the whole thing. I love Toronto. It's my hometown," said Natalie Glebova, the 23-year-old Canadian woman who captured the Miss Universe title in Bangkok in May.
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Natalie Glebova in Toronto, Tuesday.
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"I definitely don't think that the Miss Universe title is any kind of stereotype or sexual stereotype."
Glebova was set to open the Tastes of Thailand festival last weekend at Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square. But the Thai Trade Centre received word that Glebova would not be allowed to act in her capacity as Miss Universe.
According to a city bylaw, "activities which degrade men or women through sexual stereotyping, or exploit the bodies of men, women, boys or girls solely for the purpose of attracting attention," are not permitted on Nathan Phillips Square.
Glebova could still open the festival, organizers were told, but under strict conditions. She couldn't wear her sash or tiara, and couldn't be referred to as either Miss Universe or a beauty queen.
Instead, organizers were told, they could refer to her as "an individual of note contributing to our community."