The 95th Miss France election took place on December 14, 2024, at the Arena Futuroscope in Poitiers, showcasing not only the glamour synonymous with the beauty pageant but also highlighting some serious social issues faced by contestants.
Broadcast live on TF1, the event saw the crowning of the new Miss France 2025, who will succeed Ève Gilles. The evening started with excitement but quickly turned to concern when technical difficulties marred the initial presentation of the contestants. During the opening act, which involved disco-themed dance performances, some contestants struggled with their sashes. For example, Marine Futol (Miss Réunion) and Manon Le Maou (Miss Franche-Comté) faced challenges as their sashes turned improperly, making it difficult to see which region they were representing. Likewise, Sabah Aïb (Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais) experienced her sash falling off altogether.
Despite the mishaps, all contestants maintained their composure and performed with poise, dazzling the audience with their charm and resilience. Social media did not let the moment go unnoticed, with users posting on X (formerly Twitter) about the incident, expressing concerns over the visibility of the contestants' sashes. The hashtag #MissFrance2025 was buzzing with comments like, "Boouuh, we didn’t see her sash!" and "Miss Réunion, we can’t see your sash!" highlighting the blunders.
This year’s competition was especially poignant for Sabah Aïb, who has faced disturbing racist comments online since her regional title. "Mes parents et mes grands-parents sont nés en France. Je n’ai jamais eu la moindre remarque raciste de ma vie, jusqu’à cette élection. Je ne m’attendais pas à ça," she shared with Le Parisien. Aïb, whose roots trace back to North Africa, became emblematic of the challenges faced by contestants of diverse backgrounds. She managed to stay focused on the competition, reflecting on her experiences as she approached the national stage.
The jury for this year included notable figures like pop icon Sylvie Vartan, former Miss France Flora Coquerel, and athlete Marie-José Pérec. Despite the earlier mishaps, these judges appeared entertained and impressed throughout the show, wearing smiles as they evaluated the performances. Coquerel herself could resonate with Aïb’s position, having faced similar scrutiny during her reign, illuminating the enduring discussions around race and representation within beauty pageants.
Across the years, the Miss France competition has seen its share of controversies surrounding racism and discrimination. Sabah Aïb isn’t alone; numerous candidates have previously reported targeted attacks due to their backgrounds. Former Miss Île-de-France Evelyne de Larichaudy revealed experiences of online harassment related to her Asian descent, and incidents have occurred throughout editions, like during Flora Coquerel’s crowning where racial attitudes came to light.
Corinne Coman, another former Miss France, remarked, "C’est d’une violence inouïe, c’est indéniable," illustrating the intensity of the scrutiny women of colour often endure. The legacy of such comments reflects broader societal attitudes, challenging the assumptions of beauty held by many.
Despite these issues, the Miss France 2025 show remained vibrant, showcasing the contestants’ ability to rise above adversity. The continuous efforts to bring visibility to these discussions suggest progress but also remind the audience of the long road ahead. The judges seemed pleased with the evening's culmination and demonstrated their appreciation for the contestants' spirit.
After many performances, the moment finally arrived to crown the new Miss France. Amid the bustle, the lights dimmed and expectations swelled among the contestants and viewers alike. On this celebrated night, the air was filled with excitement over who would ascend to the title. Eventually, the new Miss France 2025 was declared, as cheers erupted, signifying not just victory for one contestant but also hope for progress against the backdrop of social dialogue.
This year's edition of Miss France aimed not only to captivate with its pageantry but also to provoke thought about race, beauty, and acceptance, creating room for conversation beyond the aesthetics of the event. With people like Sabah Aïb paving the way, there is optimism for more inclusive perspectives within the grand tradition of beauty contests. The evening encompassed much more than dance and glamour; it heralded the need for reflection on the society we live within, making it a memorable chapter in the Miss France history.
