Mary Mehajer has ‘nothing to fear’ from probe into how she became Miss Lebanon Australia

May 6, 2016 11:03pm

Lauren TesolinParramatta Advertiser

Miss Lebanon Australia 2016 Mary Mehajer has ‘nothing to fear’ from an investigation into her winning the crown. Picture: Jonathan Ng

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.”

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  Salim posted this photo to his Facebook page with the comment ‘Greatness is to stay humble when the world calls you great.’ Picture: Facebook
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  Mary Mehajer models her eveningwear at the Miss Lebanon Australia 2016 pageant. Picture: Paradisepro/Facebook
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  Mary Mehajer with runners up Jessica Nercessian and Mary Hakim. Picture: Paradisepro/Facebook
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  Salim embraces Mary after her crowning. Picture: Channel 10
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  Salim applauds his sister Mary after being crowned Miss Lebanon Australia 2016. Picture: Channel 10
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  Salim Mehajer’s wife Aysha with Mary. Picture: Instagram
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  Mary parties with rapper Tyga. Picture: Instagram
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  Mary says she can’t do without makeup. Picture: Instagram

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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.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/mary-mehajer-has-nothing-to-fear-from-probe-into-how-she-became-miss-lebanon-australia/news-story/a027f898407397079696f531ab4d90b5