The owner of US University Royal Beauty Pageant, Annette Hill, has confirmed plans to bring the controversial child beauty contest to Ireland later this year.
The Texas-based contest organisers have secured an undisclosed venue in Ireland after being previously turned down by several hotels. Speaking this morning, Ms Hill said there was a huge demand in Ireland for this sort of competition with 300 parents emailing her asking to host the pageant here.
The pageant has its third biggest fan base in Ireland after the United States and Australia, Ms Hill told Newstalk radio station.
Babies and children of all ages compete for a tiara and a cash prize.
Critics say these events sexualise children and argue that the use of made-up and adult-like outfits objectify children.
Speaking on air today, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald said such pageants promote the “early sexualisation of young children and commercialisation of that space which is childhood”.
“It’s not something I’d be encouraging.”
Ms Hill said she doesn’t like make-up on babies but from the age of four upwards they like “hair and make-up... to accentuate their natural beauty on stage”.
The pageant, which also includes a talent contest, has similarities with Irish dancing competitions, Ms Hill claimed.
Ms Hill said more details would be announced closer to the contest as she doesn’t want media intrusion to disrupt the competition organisation.
“This is supposed to be for kids.”