Winning the crown of the new Miss Dominican Republic is a bittersweet triumph for Clauvid Daly. The attractive 18-year-old Afro-Latina has faced racism and has been criticized on social media due to her dark skin and naturally curly hair. I know why this happens, but I respect everyone’s opinion,” he said on the Dominican television program Aquí Se Habla Español. “I’m proud to be Miss Dominican Republic and I’m two hundred percent Dominican. That’s how I feel and that’s how I’m going to build my country,” she said, silencing those who accused her of being born in the United States.
Daly was born in Miami to Dominican parents. I was born in Miami, but then I moved to Punta Cana,” she added on the show, denying rumors that she was of Haitian descent. Daly confessed that he was hurt by some of the comments and even cried because of them.
“It’s sad to see black people criticize her for her color, for her hair. She has beautiful herbaceous hair. It doesn’t come with extensions. She has an impressive complexion, a remarkable figure and stature, she is educated, she has all the virtues to constitute the Dominican woman abroad,” Magali Febles, director of the Miss Universe pageant of the Dominican Republic, added to the show.
Not letting the negativity on social media wear her down, the queen of good looks used her platform to stand up for other women. She has spoken out on Instagram against underage marriage, writing that it leads to sexual, physical, and emotional violence among young women and adolescent women around the world. It also raised awareness about preventing teen pregnancies. Her mother, an instructor and school owner in the Dominican Republic, and Daly, who represented Punta Cana, expressed an interest in social justice.
Although she has been the victim of cyberbullying, she has also earned the love and help of her fans on Instagram. “You are beautiful. Don’t let other stupid people destroy your self-esteem,” one fan commented. “You’re spectacular. There will be envious people,” wrote another. You’re beautiful, it doesn’t matter who cares,” one follower expressed. The dazzling good looks will constitute the Dominican Republic in the Miss Universe pageant and sent this message to her enemies: “I’m going to get you this second crown!”