This UK beauty queen gave back her crown after being told to lose weight

A round of applause is in order for a UK beauty queen who decided to give up her crown after being told to lose weight. According to an inspiring Facebook post by the beauty queen herself, Zoiey Smale won the title of Miss United Kingdom back in June and was supposed to go to an international competition in September when she received a troubling phone call.

Smale opened up to Today about the incident, telling the publication she had received a call from her national director, who told her the international director of the upcoming competition wanted her “to lose weight and go on some sort of diet plan.”

But Smale wasn’t going to stand for that.

Ultimately, she made a decision to give up her title and crown rather than represent an organization that forced women to look a certain way. She explained her decision in a Facebook post:

“After being asked to lose weight and go on a diet plan for an international competition, I have withdrawn. Some of you may think this is cowardly, however I don’t think it is the right to have my face representing a pageant ethos I do not believe in. I will be handing back my crown and wish the new title holder the very best of luck,” she wrote.

She continued, “I love me and will not change for anyone. My body has carried me through my 20+ years of being on this earth, allowed me to have a career I am very proud of, carry a child and the best thing of all, my body has never given up on me.”

Her powerful statement has been an inspiration to many online. From receiving praise, to comments such as “Well done” and “Good for her,” to being called a role model, the online community is 100 percent behind her decision.

“You are a beautiful young woman I would be proud to encourage my young daughter to look up to,” one Facebook user wrote.

Overwhelmed by the kindness, Smale took to Facebook to address all of the support she’s received.

She said, “Knowing that [I] have the support from the masses means more than any title could bring. At the end of the day a crown is a crown and girls that chase that are doing it all wrong. Chase being [a] rose between the thorns. Be the change and always help others. I am so thankful and thanks to you all, have changed this negative situation into a positive one.”

It’s no secret that the fashion and beauty industry isn’t always the most positive towards women, but the more people who take a stand against ridiculous standards, the closer we are to overcoming them. So brava, Smale. Brava.