When social media turned its spotlight on Miss Nepal 2020, Supriya Shrestha, it wasn’t for her beauty, fashion, or advocacy work, but instead, the young queen became the target of online anger. Thousands of Nepali youths unfollowed her on Instagram in the past few days, mistakenly linking her to the ongoing Gen Z-led protests against political corruption and inequality.
The confusion began when protesters labelled her as one of Nepal’s so-called “nepo kids,” accusing her of enjoying a privileged lifestyle while ordinary citizens struggle with rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty. Viral posts misidentified her as the daughter of a former diplomat, spreading false information that she was vacationing abroad.
Supriya Shrestha, speaking exclusively to The Daily Guardian, described the experience as frightening and overwhelming. “Misconceptions have only added to the pain—many have mistaken me for someone else and I’ve even received death threats, which has been frightening for me and my loved ones,” she said.
Supriya Shrestha: How Miss Nepal Became a Target?
Supriya Shrestha, 28, Miss Nepal 2020, was mistakenly targeted by social media. Users mistakenly identified her as the daughter of ex-diplomat Kedar Bhakta Shrestha. Viral posts even claimed she was vacationing in France, which was not true.
Speaking exclusively to The Daily Guardian, Supriya said, “Initially, one of my sisters, who lives abroad, informed me after she came across a video on an Indian page called Move for Everything… it had already circulated widely, and that is how we came to know more about the situation.”
Supriya revealed that she became the victim of false allegations and even received threats. “Misconceptions have only added to the pain—many have mistaken me for someone else, and I’ve even received death threats, which has been frightening for me and my loved ones,” she said.
Supriya’s Emotional Experience at Protests
Supriya also joined the Gen Z protests. She described it as life-changing. “After attending the protest, I know I will never be the same. I carry the heavy guilt that some of my friends who stood beside me lost their lives, while I survived,” she said.
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She added that despite the trauma, she still wanted the best for Nepal. “All I wish is the best for my country. May the leader we choose be visionary, educated, and able to put the nation above personal gain. So many lives have already been lost for this revolution, and their sacrifices must not go in vain,” she concluded.
The Rise of the “Nepo Baby” Tag in Nepal
The term “nepo baby” is popular in Hollywood, but in Nepal, it carries a sharper meaning. Young people accuse the children of politicians of flaunting wealth—designer handbags, luxury cars, and foreign trips—while the majority of Nepalis live with rising costs and fewer opportunities.
This anger is now part of a larger movement. Protesters argue that corruption, privilege, and inequality are destroying the country. Social media has become the loudest platform for their frustration. Videos of political families’ lifestyles are often shown next to images of ordinary Nepalis suffering from floods, power cuts, and food shortages.
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