Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail 12.7K Cassandre Jacques, a model representing San Juan in the Miss World Dominican Republic 2024 pageant, recently withdrew from the competition following a surge of racially charged criticism over her Haitian heritage. Jacques, also celebrated as First Princess in the 2023 International Coffee Pageant, faced backlash after her press debut, with critics claiming she was unfit to represent the Dominican Republic due to her ancestry. Historically, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, both once part of Hispaniola and colonized by France, have been separated by a complex legacy of racial and social injustices. The Dominican side largely identifies with a lighter-skinned population, descended from French settlers and historically oppressed Haitians, while Haiti, following its independence in 1804, embraced a Black identity despite ongoing racial struggles. Despite being neighbors, the two nations’ shared history has been marred by socio-political and racial divides that continue to surface in issues of identity. More Articles You Would Love RHB Style’s New Collection Is As Pretty As It Is Playful Meet The Young Black Designer Christopher John Rogers Behind Kamala Harris’s Inaguration Look In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jacques explained her decision to leave the competition. “After deep reflection, I’ve chosen to step away, a decision that was not made lightly.” She went on to thank her supporters and affirmed that her withdrawal marked “the beginning of new dreams and opportunities, which I’m ready to embrace with the same passion.” Jacques’s story has reignited discussions about race, nationalism, and identity, with her supporters calling for broader acceptance of diversity in representation. Her withdrawal highlights ongoing challenges for Haitians and Dominican-Haitians who strive to bridge cultural gaps in a deeply divided society. Show her support and follow Her here. Read More Like This On Ghana Celebrity Watch VISIT OUR SHOP Hot Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Deep V-Neck Balloon Sleeves JumpsuitRated 5.00 out of 5 $150.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Mikoko Deluxe Two-Piece Halter Strap BikiniRated 4.50 out of 5 $70.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Mikoko Print Chiffon Long Sleeves Shirt DressRated 4.00 out of 5 $75.00 Hot Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Fohrella Sleeveless Negus Top + Press Fastening Leg Pant $70.00 – $180.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Mud Cloth Trench Coat In Midi LengthRated 5.00 out of 5 $220.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Oversized Batwing JumpsuitRated 5.00 out of 5 $180.00 Hot Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Bodycon Jumpsuit With With Circular Flounce CuffsRated 4.33 out of 5 $150.00 Hot Add to cart Quick ViewAdd to Wishlist Cocoon Coat With Ruffle Detailed SleevesRated 4.67 out of 5 $180.00 UPCOMING PRIORITY EVENTS! VIEW ALL EVENTS To Submit stories Email: submit@FashionGHANA.com or HashTag #FashionGHANA Share FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail FashionGHANA Admin FashionGHANA.com is a Fashion PR Company, Events planning & management team as well as Africa's leading Fashion Media House. Get Intouch with us and let's see how we can help you grow. info@FashionGHANAcom More For You VIDEO: Ghanaian Influencer Mummy Yo, Famous for Her Curves, Reveals Vitiligo Hidden Under... #fGEditorial: This Sexy Swimwear Shoot With Grace Quaye & Celestine Will Have Your... Season 2 Of ‘Africa’s Model Scout’ Set To Air This Month As Former... VIDEO: Lil Yachty, Travis Scott & Offset! Watch Anok Yai Recall Her Video... PICS: Supermodel Adut Akech Flaunts Her Most Stunning Baby Bump Images To Date... The Other Side of Body Shaming: The Unspoken Struggles of Slim Models in... Check Out The Top 10 Runways Models That Rocked Accra Fashion Week 2024 “It Was Unfortunate There Wasn’t A Ceremony At The Show” – Face Of... Miss Cote d’Ivorie Beauty Pageant Bans Weaves & Wigs From The Competition; Natural... Face Of Accra Fashion Week 2025 Opens Applications For Its Nationwide Search