The Ministry of Justice’s annual report highlights that approximately one million individuals reported experiencing racist attacks in 2023, with 96% choosing not to file charges. This issue affects all demographics, including emerging Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais 2024, Sabah Aib, who recently celebrated her victory but also faced a backlash for her Maghrebian roots. In response to the hate, she emphasized her French identity and the rich diversity of her region, gearing up for the Miss France 2025 pageant.
The recent annual report from the Ministry of Justice highlighted that approximately one million individuals reported experiencing at least one racist attack in 2023, with a staggering 96% choosing not to file charges. This issue spans across all social and professional categories, affecting both genders, and even public figures are not immune. Singer Slimane shared his own experiences of discrimination during his preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest earlier this year. Now, this troubling trend has impacted Sabah Aib, a young woman who recently claimed the title of Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais and is a potential contender to succeed Eve Gilles as Miss France.
Sabah, who just turned 18, won the Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais crown on Saturday, October 19, coinciding with broadcasts of the second prime of Star Academy season 12 and the finale of Pékin Express 2024. The event saw the attendance of several former beauty queens, such as Maëva Coucke and Camille Cerf, both of whom went on to win the national pageant after securing this regional title. Also present were Sylvie Tellier and Cindy Fabre, leaders of the Miss France Committee. Sabah radiated joy that evening and expressed her gratitude on social media, sharing her excitement and pride with her followers.
Sabah Aib’s Heritage
On her Instagram account, where she has over 23,000 followers, Sabah recounted the thrill of experiencing the ‘incredible atmosphere at the arena stade couvert de Liévin’, where her journey took a pivotal turn. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to those who supported her during this adventure: ‘I can never thank you enough for your support. Thanks to my family, friends in the audience, and all those who believed in me.’ However, this uplifting moment was overshadowed by harsh comments she encountered later. In an Instagram story posted on Wednesday, October 23, Sabah revealed she had been subjected to ‘a wave of racist hatred on social networks due to (her) origins’. She characterized these attacks as ‘a reflection of ignorance and jealousy.’
Confronted with this hostility, the newly crowned Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais 2024 articulated her pride in her identity: ‘My name is part of who I am, and my nationality doesn’t change my French identity. France is a multicultural nation, and having a name from another background does not take away from being French.’ She emphasized, ‘I was born in France, as were my parents. We consider ourselves French first and foremost. While my origins shape my story, they do not define me.’ Sabah is proud of her mixed background—her father is of Algerian descent, and her mother hails from Morocco.
Sabah Aib’s Journey to Miss France 2025
As her popularity grows, Sabah, who grew up in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, pointed out that her victory symbolizes the ‘rich diversity and values of her region.’ She stated, ‘I’m proud to represent it. Hate has no place in our society, and I will carry this title with pride, determination, and respect for everyone. We are all equal, regardless of our names or origins.’ She has garnered immense support from social media users who consistently leave positive comments on her posts.
Alongside the other 29 regional Misses, selected between June and the weekend prior, Sabah will compete in the Miss France 2025 event scheduled for Saturday, December 14, at the Futuroscope Arena in Vienne. While the jury’s names remain unannounced, it is anticipated that Jean-Pierre Foucault will host once again, as the ceremony airs live on TF1 annually. Notably, Foucault has recently hinted at stepping down after nearly three decades as the event’s presenter. Eve Gilles will also be part of the show, having shared valuable insights with the 30 contestants.