The final scene of the Miss Universe 2023 pageant generated controversy on social media, where the reaction of Miss Thailand when she heard that Miss Nicaragua had won was disrespectful.
In total 84 countries attempted to win the competition but only one could do so and it went to Sheynnis Palacios from the Central American nation at the competition held in El Salvador, also in Central America.
“The quality that has inspired me and has inspired millions of women and girls is humility and the ability to appreciate the little things,” Palacios said at the event. “Because that’s where the most valuable thing is: the essence of being a human.”
Anntonia Porsild of Thailand reacted badly to finishing in second place behind Palacios, the new Miss Universe, by making no effort to hug or show affection to her opponent.
Third place went to Australia’s Moraya Wilson, fourth to Puerto Rico’s Karla Guilfu and fifth to Colombia’s Camila Avella.
Miss Thailand’s reaction was not the only thing that generated controversy at Miss Universe. Her gala dress generated discussion on social media as some fans said it was too transparent and that it practically revealed her most intimate parts.
It did cover them up enough, as she didn’t take to the stage nude but it wasn’t hard to see the form of her body through the thin silver dress that really only covered her breasts and her pelvis.
Transgender representation at Miss Universe
Transgender involvement in competition is a highly divisive topic across a range of industries such as sport or beauty competitions but Miss Universe took a big step into the 2020s by including two trans women at their 2023 event.
At the pageant appeared Rikkie Kolle, a 22-year-old trans woman from the Netherlands who is also an activist for the LGBTQ movement. She was joined by Marina Machete, 23, who represented Portugal and works as a cabin crew member.