Because beauty is a big business, the same people who promote and idolize attractiveness tend to be the same ones who tear others down when they exude it. However confusing, the reality cannot be ignored. That’s because bullying — especially pertaining to one’s appearance — can be incredibly damaging on numerous levels. Just ask Sudanese-Australian model Nyadak (Duckie) Thot.
A few years ago, Duckie was the runner-up on the 2013 season of Australia’s Next Top Model. Though the experience would seem to be an enriching one, it was actually quite damaging to Duckie, who was bullied on social media for her natural hair, dark skin color, and petite size. In fact, the former US Top Model contestant Winnie Harlow called her “cauliflower head.”
In an emotional interview with Teen Vogue, the Barbie look-alike said: “I took quite a few blows as a 17-year-old girl — and it was hard to understand why.”
After finding a mentor in Top Model judge and fellow cyberbullying victim Charlotte Dawson, Duckie found renewed strength to continue in the industry. Tragically, Dawson committed suicide in 2014. However, Duckie continues to live by the former model’s advice. “That was really my driving force post-show,” said the 17-year-old.
After taking a couple of years off, Duckie decided to model again and is re-joining the business with ferocity. Now 21-years-old, the gorgeous woman has 300,000 followers on Instagram and continues to use her platform to speak out against cyberbullying, as well as live life on her own terms. She’s also happily accepted the “Barbie” title bestowed on her by her fans.
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Via Bored Panda
Meet 21-year-old South Sudanese-Australian model Duckie Thot
She’s so proportional, some confuse her with Barbie!
After nearly winning the 2013 season of Australia’s Next Top Model, Duckie was bombarded with negative messages
She was only 17 then and faced relentless cyberbullying over her natural hair and dark skin color
After being called cruel names, Duckie disappeared for two years.
Now, she’s back with a renewed strength and is ready to model again
“I’ve been molded by absolutely everybody in every corner,” she told Teen Vogue in late 2016
“When I started listening to my own voice, that’s when things really started picking up for me”
The beautiful model has since relocated to New York City from Australia and feels better than ever
“You’ll always have people say negative things about you… what people think about you doesn’t define you”
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