Salim Mehajer: Probe launched into how his sister became Miss Lebanon Australia
FAIR Trading NSW is investigating the crowning of controversial politician Salim Mehajer’s sister as Miss Lebanon Australia after a fellow contestant alleged it was “rigged”.
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FAIR Trading NSW is investigating the crowning of controversial politician Salim Mehajer’s sister as Miss Lebanon Australia after a fellow contestant alleged it was “rigged”.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the allegations include questions about if money was exchanged to influence the judging panel and how Mariam Mehajer was allowed to enter the race late.
It is understood the 18-year-old entered the beauty contest three weeks before the competition.
Others had signed up two months earlier. No rules banning a late entry could be found by The Daily Telegraph.
The complaint, seen by The Daily Telegraph, also questions how Ms Mehajer could fairly enter when her brother’s business, Mehajer Bros, was a major sponsor.
Sister, Aisha, who competed in 2015, was a member of the organising committee.
A member of the competition’s support staff last night said they were shocked by the result. And one of the five pageant judges, Dr David Carr, said he did not rank Ms Mehajer in his top five. Mr Mehajer hit back, saying his sister came fourth in the contest in 2015.
“I certainly didn’t rate her and I felt there were far better contestants but then my count is only one fifth of the count so who knows?” Dr Carr said.
Several contestants are said to have withdrawn when Mariam was permitted late entry.
Contestants and staff were yesterday threatened with legal action by pageant director Joe Khoury if they publicly criticised the competition. Mr Khoury denied any impropriety and said the judges’ decisions was final: “It doesn’t matter who investigates.”
Mr Khoury would not comment on Ms Mehajer’s late entry.
Mr Mehajer said: “As the old saying goes ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. It is unfortunate the first idea that strikes people’s minds are such negative connotations as I can only see positives for the success my younger sister has achieved.”
Ms Mehajer will now compete for the international Miss Lebanon title in Beirut next year.
A Fair Trading NSW spokesman confirmed it was investigating a complaint.
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