Chain reaction to beauty contest - feminists protest as university winner is crowned
The final of a beauty contest for women university students descended into a pitched battle over the soul of feminism last night.
Dozens of protesters attempted to disrupt the last round of Miss University London, deploying stink bombs and chaining themselves to the door as they tried to stop a competition they claimed was demeaning to women.
The final at Crystal club in Marylebone went ahead after a series of interruptions including four women storming the stage. Police said eight people were arrested but were later released without charge. Protesters, some of whom have been leading a campaign since last year against the competition, said the event demeaned women and should have been banned.
Eleanor James, 23, women's officer at the School of Oriental and African Studies students' union, said: "This competition is dehumanising to all the women who are taking part."
But participants countered this by saying that the event was "feminism at its best". Protesters were also criticised by the final winner, 20-year-old Susheel Bal, a King's College student from Dulwich. The newly-crowned Miss University London said: "I loved being in the contest and winning was fantastic. The protesters who say I am being degraded are completely wrong. My parents are proud of me and are happy for me to do what makes me happy."