Olivia Lauren - crowned 1st runner-up at Miss International Queen 2025 - has finally broken her silence after facing heavy criticism and online bullying following her win.

The Cuban contestant, who proudly represented her country, has been the target of harsh remarks, with some detractors cruelly mocking her appearance and saying she “looks like a man.”

In a video posted on Missilogy’s official Facebook page, Lauren described her struggles, saying:

“I have been pushed. I have been thrown rocks at and well, it’s a bit of a shock to see what’s happened. This is very; it is what it is.”

She added that while the situation was painful, she was determined to move forward:

“We have to move forward but I am a human being with feelings. This year, it was beyond beauty.”

Apology and clarification

Following the backlash, Lauren shared a heartfelt note on Instagram to clear the air. She issued an apology to Miss US and Miss Vietnam, saying she never intended to create misunderstandings.

“I want to apologize for any misunderstanding from my recent interviews about Miss International Queen 2025,” she wrote.

Lauren expressed gratitude for the opportunity, adding:

“I feel truly honoured to have stood on this stage and represented myself in this journey.”

She further clarified that if her words about the competition’s theme sounded confusing, it was unintentional:

“Please know I never meant to question the competition or its results.”

Despite the backlash, Lauren’s response has highlighted both her resilience and her determination to continue representing herself with pride. As the conversation around inclusivity and beauty standards in international pageants continues, her words may spark further debate and reflection within the pageant community.