A former University of Auckland student has turned a viral selfie and a flood of criticism into a global conversation about beauty standards and self-acceptance.
Naomie Pilula, a 37-year-old lawyer from Zambia, told PEOPLE she was stunned when casual posts of her, often dressed up and talking about her job or faith, drew thousands of comments – many of them fixated on her appearance.
A video about one of her favourite face masks drew comments like “is this AI?” and “is she using a filter?” Another post in June drew more comments on her appearance including one which she said particularly struck a nerve.
“I got a comment that said something about trying out rhinoplasty, and I think she caught me at a time where I was really pissed off, because I had received other comments and maybe even worse comments because I had people telling me outright, ‘You’re ugly,’ [and] ‘you don’t deserve to be on the internet’.”
Stuff
Face of the Day
Naomie Pilula, a 37-year-old lawyer from Zambia, told PEOPLE she was stunned when casual posts of her, often dressed up and talking about her job or faith, drew thousands of comments – many of them fixated on her appearance.
Related
Face of the Day
This year, the winning entry came from Sritam Kumar Sethy, a student at Berhampur University in India, while Australian researchers and wildlife snagged awards in several categories.
Face of the Day
Beard was in hospice care when he died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family members at his side, band representative Bob Merlis said.
Faces of the Day
The group are mostly elderly and retired and gather at an old sports building in Hastings to make coffins. “We are at a point where we don’t have the room to make any more,” Treasurer Cherie Hames says. “We are basically at capacity of what we can make on the premises. We have to find new premises.”
Faces of the Day
Peters, who is also the minister for rail, said he pitched an alternative plan, to immediately put the harbour crossing to tender, but was outvoted in cabinet. His comments seemed to surprise both Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Latest
What Does Woke Mean?
Well said 👇 pic.twitter.com/sGTFAXaH2w — Sam (@SamFaff) August 20, 2026 If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member,
Christine Rankin: National’s Coup, Aged Care Report, The Greens & More
If you have a great Youtube, Rumble or Vimeo video to share send it to videos@goodoil.news If you're loving this trusty, straight-up news on Kiwi politics and beyond, why not become a paid member, eh? Unlock exclusive yarns, podcasts, vids, and in-depth analysis—your
The Good Oil Daily Roundup
Just a brief note to readers who like to add their own contributions to Daily Roundup in the comments. This post is for family friendly humour ONLY thank you.
Good Oil Backchat
Please read our rules before you start commenting on The Good Oil to avoid a temporary or permanent ban.