Woman bullied for head-to-toe moles could be crowned the next Miss Universe

Evita Delmundo found beauty in what others considered to be an imperfection 

Sarah Jones
Thursday 29 June 2017 09:10 EDT
Comments
The 20-year-old has learned to accept the body she was given
The 20-year-old has learned to accept the body she was given

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A young Malaysian woman who suffered years of abuse over her mole-covered face could be crowned the next Miss Universe.

Evita Delmundo, 20, was born with large moles on her face and body as well as a large birthmark which spans across her neck and shoulders.

But despite years of relentless bullying, even being branded a “monster”, Delmundo has learned to find beauty in her moles and refused to have removal surgery.

With an Instagram account teeming with smiling selfies, the young woman appears to have confidence in spades but she is open about the fact that finding self-acceptance didn’t happen overnight.

“It definitely wasn't easy for me. I got bullied in primary school and the other kids would call me names like 'Monster' or 'Chipsmore', which was really tough to swallow as a young girl,” she told Elle Malaysia.

"In primary school, no one wanted to be friends with me. Basically, I was a lonely girl."

As she grew up, Delmundo gained confidence but also became increasingly aware of her moles, a number of which have tufts of hair growing from them.

But despite dreaming of having them removed, doctors warned that the procedure could put the then 16-year-old’s life at risk so she decided it was time to accept the body she was given.

Now working part-time in a local café, Delmundo has put the years of feeling heartbroken and shy behind her and is up for Miss Malaysia with the potential to go on and win Miss Universe.

In a world where we’re constantly judged on our looks, the young beauty hopes that her story and attitude will inspire others to accept their bodies just as they are.

“None of us are born perfect and all of us have our own strengths and weaknesses. So don't see any of your flaws as a barrier to achieving what you want,” she said.

“At the end of the day, everyone has something special about them, so be proud of whatever makes you 'you.’”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in