Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu was bullied online after gaining weight

Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu has revealed that she gained weight since being crowned in December, but she doesn't mind the change. However, it was the online bullying that got to her and she "broke down" so many times.

"Physically I have kind of grown, got more pounds and increased my weight, which I am totally comfortable about right now," the Indian-born beauty queen told People.

The 22-year-old added: "I was bullied for gaining weight. It was kind of uncomfortable and really surprising for me to see how people started having their opinions, which should not really matter."

"It's not about how you look, it's about who you are from inside and how you treat people and what you believe in."

She says that leading up to the competition, diet and exercise was all about winning.

"I was really focused towards my goal and I was (not) thinking about my health," Sandhu said.

"The whole time we were working out, doing so many activities, and just after winning, I had almost a month just to relax."

"During that time, I actually didn't work out, and I was just eating and just enjoying that time with my family," the former Miss Universe says.

"I never realised that it would start showing on my body."

Some of the online comments were very cruel.

"I definitely broke down so many times," Sandhu admits. "Sometimes in the most unexpected times. I'm just about to go on stage or something and this whole thing comes in my mind. It's really sad."

Sandhu gained weight but also didn't feel well, and a doctor diagnosed her with allergies she never knew she had.

"I have a gluten allergy," Sandhu shares.