LaToya Malcolm, the vibrant former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant, has passed away, and the mainstream media is already spinning her story with the usual tragic flair. The Miss Universe Jamaica organization shared the news on social media, highlighting her pride in representing her country. But did anyone bother to dig deeper? Instead of simply mourning her loss, we’re left wondering how many outlets are prepared to frame this as yet another cautionary tale—prompting a debate about mental health, the pressures of beauty pageants, or even the societal expectations thrust upon young women.

Take CNN, for instance. They love to sensationalize stories like this, pushing a narrative that undermines the individual’s story in favor of a broader, often politically correct agenda—because, of course, we can’t talk about loss without throwing in a little bias. Meanwhile, Fox News often responds with a selective focus on the triumphs of beauty queens, glossing over the human struggles these women face. It’s time to call out the hypocrisy.

The truth is, while we should mourn LaToya Malcolm, it’s essential to remember her not merely as a tragic statistic but as an individual who embodied strength and aspiration. Let’s not let corporate media drown her spirit with their agenda-driven narratives. They’ll use her life as a footnote to push their points, but it’s up to us to honor her reality and complexity without the embellishments.

Remember, in a landscape filled with narrative spinners, we need to fight for genuine stories. LaToya Malcolm deserves that, and so much more.