Levern José – the Miss SA Top 12 finalist accused of being a high school bully – has quit the pageant.
The BCom Law student made the announcement in a statement issued by the competition organisers on Monday, 19 June.
Levern came under fire earlier this month after multiple social media users shared their experiences with her.
In the statement, Levern José also claimed to be a victim of bullying, adopting a coping mechanism to “protect” herself. She also apologised to the women she had hurt in high school.
She said: “As a survivor of bullying, I learned how to protect myself from bullying during my school years. If my actions in protecting myself caused harm to anyone, I offer my sincere apologies. The pain of being a target has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I would never intentionally cause hurt or contribute to someone else’s suffering.”
Levern introspected on the lesson she had learned: “Kindness, respect, and empathy have always been my guiding principles, and I have unwaveringly worked to adhere to these values.
“It deeply troubles me that such grave accusations could be levelled against me. While I firmly believe in my own accountability and responsibility, I also hold steadfastly to the principles of fairness and justice”.
Miss SA, levern jose
Miss SA Top 12 finalist Levern Jose has been accused of being a high school bully. Images via Instagram: @levern_jose
On why she quit Miss SA, she added: “All forms of abuse and bullying are unacceptable and have no place in our society. Please know that I am determined to work against bullying and to bring about wider awareness about this issue.
“I am unwavering in my stance to upholding what is right and just. I am human; the pressure has been immense and has taken its toll on me. Together, let us strive for fairness and compassion in all our interactions with others,”
Pageant CEO Stephanie Weil has accepted Levern’s decision, adding: “The Miss South Africa Organisation does not condone bullying of any kind. …We respect her for owning her truth and taking this time to focus on her own healing”.@nsalemane: “Not gonna lie, but when I saw that girl make it to Miss SA Top 30, I was asking myself how ’cause she was a BULLY BULLY. I wanted to comment on my experience, but I held myself back (& thought maybe she changed, let me just mind my own), and lo & behold, the Twitter streets did an exposé.”
@FinegyaalKat: “This girl bullied me too. Her and her friend bullied my friend and I for two years!”.
Miss SA, levern jose
Miss SA Top 12 contestant Levern Jose (centre) has been accused of being a high school bully. Image via Facebook: Miss SA
However, tweeps noticed that the bully allegations were actually first made last month by a woman called Faith Judith Msiza.
The woman tweeted on 25 May in response to the Top 30 announcement: “Contest: Levern José is the girl who bullied me in high school she attended (Lyttelton Manor High School) Me and my father also witnessed her and her friend bully(hit) a girl named Deborah after school and when the mother tried to intervene they intimidated her.”