Over 120 women took to the stage and competed in the 73rd version of the competition, which was held in Mexico City this weekend.
Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, 21, claimed the coveted crown, becoming the first-ever Dane to win the prestigious title.
The animal protection advocate impressed many with her intricate gowns and thoughtful words in the question-and-answer rounds.
When asked how she would live differently if judgment didn’t exist, Victoria responded: “I live by each day.”
In another message, she urged viewers: “Keep fighting… no matter where you come from.”
In recent years, the Miss Universe organization has taken notable steps to modernize the competition, including allowing married women and mothers to participate, per Insider.
Critics have also argued that the pageant’s emphasis on traditional beauty standards and physical appearance undermines its purported message of inclusivity.
Miss Universe UAE, Emilia Dobreva, and Nepal’s Jane Dipika Garrett, the first plus-size contestant to win Miss Universe Nepal, are examples of this progress.
Although these changes have been praised, not everyone is pleased with this year’s results.
Suchata Chuangsri, from Phuket, studies international relations at Thammasat University and is fluent in Thai, English, and Chinese.
When asked about the qualities of a successful leader, the 21-year-old responded (per Daily Mai): “Empathy, because no matter how good you are, no matter what kind of education you have, in the end, you need empathy to care about your people.”
Suchata has also used her platform to shed light on important causes, including raising awareness about breast cancer after undergoing surgery at age 16 to remove a tumor.
Amid the debate of who should have won, some have taken to social media and shared their scathing take on the final 2024 winner.
While some have celebrated Victoria’s win, others have taken to social media and criticized the competition for its lack of diversity, especially regarding its winners.
One person writes: “I thought it was an unfair and racist decision.”
Upset, another chimes in: “They need to get it together as there’s no diversity and it’s becoming evident.”
“True beauty lies in our stories, in what makes us different, not in an idealized appearance,” somebody else opines.
A fourth person says: “Of course, they gave a white girl Miss Universe.”
Meanwhile, others have taken to social media and shared their support for Victoria, with one fan enthusing: “She’s beautiful and smart. Congratulations to Miss Universe.”
A second person comments: “Yay! She deserved to win. Congratulations on making history as Denmark’s first Miss Universe, Victoria!”
