19-year old, Israeli model named the 'most beautiful girl in the world'

By Lokmat English Desk | Published: January 22, 2021 02:25 PM2021-01-22T14:25:00+5:302021-01-22T14:25:00+5:30

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A woman who's been named the 'most beautiful girl in the world' has admitted she's been trolled for her looks after speaking candidly about her lavish lifestyle.

Yael Shelbia, 19, was recently crowned champion of TC Candler's annual '100 Most Beautiful Faces of the Year' list, a competition made famous when Thylane Blondeau cinched the coveted title aged just six.

But while the Israeli model and actress has been inundated with notes from suitors and well-wishes from fans after winning the accolade - some messages 'haven't been the nicest'.

Speaking to The Sun, Yael, who is currently dating 36-year-old Brandon Korff, grandson of the American billionaire businessman Sumner Redstone, admitted she has had haters commenting on her looks.

Yael has modelled for Kim Kardashian's KKW Beauty and Kylie Jenner's skincare range, boasts 1.2million followers on Instagram and appeared alongside renowned footballer Lionel Messi in campaigns for FINNEY mobile.

She said: 'I've received a large amount of support and love, also suitor messages I must admit and messages that weren't the nicest. They said the normal things that haters say, nothing worth any attention.'

Yael claimed she was surprised to receive the title since she didn't realise she was participating in the contest, but that it's 'very exciting and flattering'.

Adding that the award has arrived at just the right time, following a challenging year due to the pandemic, Yael insisted that 'all women are beautiful'. 'I think what makes a person beautiful is to be kind, humble and most of all - positive. When you are good, it is really shown in your eyes and eyes never lie,' she added.

Yael also confirmed to the publication that she was dating Brandon, 'who is very happy for her', after being together for a year. The model said she’s keen to start travelling for work again - having visited across the US and Europe- as soon as coronavirus restrictions allow her to do so.

Yael grew up in a small city in the north of Israel in a large, Orthodox Jewish family. She started modelling when she was 16 after a local photographer noticed her Instagram snaps and asked her to participate in a photo shoot.

At the time of winning the accolade, Yael was doing mandatory military service with the Israeli Air Force. The model placed 14th in the list in 2017, third in 2018, and second in 2019. The competition, which began in 1990, prides itself on being among the most 'diverse' beauty awards.

It was founded by British film critic TC Candler, and has previously awarded Michelle Pfeiffer, Marion Cottilard and Jourdan Dunn with the title.

In 2018, the creators, who each year are tasked with whittling down a list of rising stars and little-known faces to 100, also introduced a 'most handsome faces' competition.

Covering almost 40 countries, the site writes: 'Unlike most other annual beauty rankings, the 100 Most Beautiful Faces List is not a popularity contest and it is definitely not country specific.

'The list attempts to inform and broaden public opinion, instead of reflecting it.' Thylane Blondeau won the competition in 2007 and 2018 before modelling for Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and L'Oréal.

The 19-year old's looks have now gone viral on the web.