This month, model Solange Omon got the opportunity of a lifetime to become a Victoria’s Secret angel. But critics are trying to rain on her parade.
The 21-year-old was born in Cameroon and went to college in Maine while working as a nonprofit program coordinator.
Omon got her big break after entering the brand’s model-search competition “Angels Among Us.”
She stood out among 100,000 applicants, vying to star in a Victoria’s Secret YouTube series that documented the contestants’ journey.
In the sixth episode, Omon was crowned the winner. She earned a spot in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Runway show on Oct. 18.
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Omon lived out her wildest dreams walking among other stars like Anok Yai, Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner, Trinity Rodman and more.
Despite the major achievement, not everyone rejoiced with her.
On Oct. 20, Omon fired back after the racist responses she received online. Some viewers expressed they wanted another contestant, Dominican-American competitor Andreína Martínez, to win.
In a now-deleted Instagram Story, Omon said she had received many distasteful comments in her DM’s across different platforms.
“I understand this was a competition,” she wrote. “Everyone had their favorite, and you are allowed to be disappointed that your favorite didn’t win. You don’t have to be happy that I won.”
She continued, “But this is no longer about who you wanted to win. This is racism!!!”
In the last “Angels” episode, Omon was a finalist against Martínez and Texas native Tatyana Tinsley.
Before thanking her fans for supporting and defending her, she added, “I just wanted to speak about this because this isn’t only personal to me. I’m a Black woman, but there are so many Black girls and women who experience things like this every day.”
Omon made it clear that the nasty comments did not stop her from celebrating her victory. “I’m happy, I’m proud, and nothing can take this joy away from me,” she said.
Martinez also backed Omon while responding to racist comments she received as well.
In a now-deleted IG story, she wrote in Spanish, “It’s sad that I can’t celebrate such a big milestone in my career because, instead of enjoying this moment, I’m receiving thousands of racist and tasteless messages that simply aren’t supportive of me.”
She added, “@solange_omon is the new angel, and I am happy for her, proud to see her growth, and excited for her new life. I am thrilled I got to walk the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. It is sad that to try and ‘uplift’ me or ‘support’ me, you tear another woman down.”
Martinez said this wasn’t how she wanted their milestones to be celebrated and added, “I’m definitely not going to let my name be used to excuse your disrespect.”
Fans in the comments section under the Jasmine Brand’s Instagram post about Omon defended her.
One person supporting her said, “To hell with them queen, you deserve that and look good as hell wearing that win.”
Another person who had her back said, “They are just jealous cause they could never.”
A third fan showed sympathy by writing, “I’m so sorry you have to experience that sister. Unreal.”
Adam Selman, executive vice president and chief creative officer at Victoria’s Secret & Co., who also announced the winner in the docuseries, shared why Omon was the choice for him.
“What made Solange stand out wasn’t just her presence, it was her authenticity. From the moment I met her, there was a warmth and individuality that was infectious,” he told People.
Selman continued, “Her story is incredibly inspiring, and the determination, resilience, and passion she brought to every step of the journey made a real impression on us.”
Back in Maine, Omon helped Black immigrant kids apply for jobs and network. In her program coordinator role, she mentored young adults ages 16 to 24 and connected them to community all while she was going to school.
LOL solange oman doing what i would do if people were being bold on the internet. Screenshot that shit and shame them wo covering their names. You can prefer andreina (she was my fave too) but to be RACIST towards her bc she won!?? Insanity https://t.co/5bvwXqp1QP
— holly ☆ (@hailieybieber) October 21, 2026