Saudi Model Faces Backlash
Saudi model Khawla Al Anzy was the target of a social media backlash after her first televised interview last week during the show “Sa’at Shabab” (An hour for the youth) aired on Rotana Khaleejya.
A hasthag (Why Khawla Al Anzy) was used on Twitter to criticize al Anzy, 20, for her unconventional career choice, while others attacked her tribe. During the interview, Al Anzy said that she said that she ignores negative comments on twitter and instead focuses on the positive and listens to those who support her.
Al Anzy said that he knows that many girls in Saudi Arabia are interested in modeling but are afraid to face the society and are also not receiving any support from their families. “My family initially were not convinced because of society but when they saw that I loved this profession they supported my decision,” said Al Anzy adding that her friends were surprised but always knew that she would work in a fashion-related profession.
She started her career a year ago and is mostly active through social media mainly on Instagram and Snapchat. She said that before creating her social media accounts her pictures were circulated but no one knew who she was or how to get in touch with her. She said that her future plans include taking part in cat-walk modeling events outside of Saudi Arabia and creating a youtube channel to give young girls fashion, make-up and modeling tips.
