Mary Mehajer has ‘nothing to fear’ from probe into how she became Miss Lebanon Australia
MARIAM ‘Mary’ Mehajer ‘would love’ Fair Trading NSW to investigate if she won the Miss Lebanon Australia crown fairly amid allegations her brother Salim bought her victory.
Parramatta
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SALIM MEHAJER’S sister, the new Miss Lebanon Australia, says she has nothing to fear from an official investigation into allegations her brother bought her beauty pageant victory.
“I would love for [NSW Fair Trading] to investigate and see that I won fairly,” Mariam ‘Mary’ Mehajer told the Parramatta Advertiser in her first interview since being crowned last Sunday.
“My brother being a sponsor is such a beautiful thing. He’s supporting his community and I think that is so positive.”
The 18-year-old, who was a late entrant and beat seven other contestants, complained about unfair press attention and wants to use her success to change stereotypes of Lebanese Australians.
“I think my community is very misunderstood. I believe the media has used this paintbrush to illustrate this image that we don’t actually fit in,” she said.
“A lot of people don’t actually classify us as Australians even if we were born here. They’re always telling me to go back to my own country.”
Her pageant win has been soured by questions about sponsorship by Mehajer Bros — a company owned by her controversial brother and former deputy Auburn mayor Salim Mehajer — and the fact her sister Aisha was on the organising committee this year.
One contestant has complained to the NSW Office of Fair Trading alleging that the contest was “rigged” and several others are said to have withdrawn when Ms Mehajer was permitted late entry.
Fair Trading is assessing whether the complaint is valid.
Ms Mehajer rejected the claims, pointing out her brother had also been a sponsor last year when Aisha competed and came fourth.
“He [sponsored it] last year and she didn’t win so it doesn’t mean anything except that he has a good character and he is a good man who puts his ego aside to help others,” Ms Mehajer said.
She said she had not let the controversy affect her.
“I just brush it off. Patience has a beautiful reward. I rather have the fruits of patience than be bitter.”
The law student only entered the pageant three weeks before the event and admitted she felt intimidated by the other contestants.
“A lot of the women were much more mature and much more confident to go on stage and, you know, wear a bikini. I am totally not like that, that was the hardest part, but it was one that I overcame.”
Ms Mehajer, the youngest of eight siblings, declined to answer any further questions about her controversial brother who has had to deny rumours he has split from his wife Aysha.
“My family is my everything. Every day we inevitably get closer. We’re all supportive no matter what,” Mary said.
Instead the Auburn teen wants to turn the spotlight on various charity initiatives she will pursue as Miss Lebanon Australia.
“The crown is nothing without action. To me this was not just a beauty pageant but about representing my community,” she said.
Q & A
Most exciting thing happening in your life right now?
Miss Lebanon Australia
What’s keeping you busy these days?
Uni
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
None, we all share but I just borrow from my sisters
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
Beyonce, Lemonade
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
Falling down an escalator
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Makeup
Where do you like to shop?
Sisters’ closet
What’s your favourite beverage?
Water
What do you wish you could eat every day?
Burgers
Last thing you baked?
Cupcakes
One thing you need to have in your fridge?
Rockmelon
What’s one thing you remember from your childhood?
Playing hide and seek
What’s your favourite TV show of all time?
Suits
Favourite movie?
High School Musical
How many followers do you have on Instagram?
Don’t know, don’t care
Have you ever Googled yourself?
Many times
If you had a super power what would it be?
Invisibility
If you weren’t studying law what would you be doing?
Dentistry
Do you have a cool or bizarre talent?
Not bizarre but I can play piano
What’s something you cannot do?
A backflip
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Is your hair real?
What habit do you wish you could break?
Touching my face too much
Do you have any nicknames?
MarMar
What surprises you about people?
How arrogant they can be
What makes you laugh?
My family
What’s your most memorable moment so far?
Winning the crown
Do you have any dating advice?
Don’t date while you’re young
If you could raid one woman’s closet who would it be?
My sister’s, Aisha
Favourite fashion trend of all time?
Brown lipstick
Favourite celebrity?
Amal Clooney
What is something you want to be doing in ten years’ time?
Helping others
What’s the most important life lesson for someone to learn?
Always be grateful
What do you love most about Sydney?
Its beauty
What’s one goal you want to achieve in your lifetime?
Always be happy
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