Using the Miss World stage to criticize the Chinese government didn’t go without consequence, however, especially since the pageant is sponsored by Chinese corporations.
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“Public pressure works. We have way more leverage than we think we do,” she said. “We might think that China is this big, tough bully that just doesn’t listen to anyone. But that’s not true.”
“Despite 60 years of censorship, people don’t believe everything they hear on the news,” she said, referring to Chinese reports over the past year that have sought to demonize her. “I may end up standing in the last row this year, but if they are able to see me, I hope people will be encouraged.”
“My one goal was not the tiara,” Lin said. “I just wanted to be on Chinese television. … If they can see me on stage they will know (I have not given up), so neither should they.”
Lin, a classical pianist and actress, also wanted to be seen by her father, who she said has been barred from leaving China because of her activism.
Various media outlets sought comment from the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C. but their requests were not granted.
Miss World 2016 wrapped up Dec. 18, with the contestant from Puerto Rico taking the crown.
As for her pageant career, the University of Toronto grad says she’s “totally done” with it.
“It destroyed me,” she told Fashion magazine. “I’m moving on.”
Instead, Anastasia will focus on her acting career, and continue to raise awareness on human rights issues.
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