The Miss Universe 2024 pageant, held on November 16, culminated with the crowning of Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark, who made history as the first contestant from her country to win. The event, which usually garners widespread enthusiasm, was overshadowed by some controversial remarks made by the newly appointed CEO of the Miss Universe Organization, Anne Jakrajutatip. Her comments, particularly surrounding beauty standards, ignited heated discussions about inclusivity and representation within the contest.
During the press conference following the pageant, Jakrajutatip remarked, "Evolution? We have blonde and blue eyes, so we’re coming to the ultimate evolution already. We don’t need any more evolution here. We already got the best here." These words set off waves of backlash, with many beauty pageant enthusiasts and social media users expressing their dismay over what they perceived as narrow-mindedness and retrogressive ideals.
Chidimma Adetshina, who made history as the first Miss Nigeria to reach the top five, responded to Jakrajutatip's comments with surprising composure. Speaking to Business Insider, she stated, “I’m not really offended by it. Maybe that's just her perspective; maybe that's how she felt about the evolution of Miss Universe.” Chidimma emphasized her view on beauty as something multifaceted, rising above the confines of singular beauty standards.
While Adetshina didn't share any personal offense over the remarks, she expressed her disappointment about subsequent comments made by Donald Trump Jr., who cheekily stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Biological & objectively attractive women are allowed to win beauty pageants again. WE ARE SO BACK!!!” Adetshina felt this statement undermined the diversity and accomplishments of previous winners, making her and others feel their past successes were somehow delegitimized.
Public reactions to Jakrajutatip’s comments were swift. Many took to social media to voice their displeasure. One user asked pointedly, "What do you mean the evolution is blonde and blue eyes?" Another called her remarks "shocking," and yet another critiqued the leadership of the beauty pageant, saying, "These leaders are ruining these pageants, they are insensitive, greedy, do not care about the production of the pageant, and the needs of the contestants. I cannot support this nonsense." Despite this backlash, some supporters of Jakrajutatip's comments argued they represented a traditional view of beauty, rekindling nostalgia for past Miss Universe winners who embodied this aesthetic.
Historically, the Miss Universe Organization has evolved to incorporate broader inclusivity, allowing contestants who are married, mothers, and even older than the traditional age limit of 28. Since Jakrajutatip's appointment as CEO, these changes reflected a new direction. Yet, tensions surrounding her leadership have escalated due to leaked comments, where she indicated during staff meetings, "Trans women, the women with husbands, divorced women ... They can compete, but they cannot win." This so-called "communication strategy" raised eyebrows and led to accusations about her true commitment to diversity within beauty pageants.
Following the firestorm over the initial comments, Jakrajutatip attempted to clarify her position. She took to Facebook, claiming her statements were taken out of their intended meaning and used to incite anger. Despite this, the fallout continued. Many now question whether her leadership will lead the Miss Universe Organization down the path of genuine inclusivity or merely offer surface-level changes paired with outdated standards of beauty.
This controversy highlights the larger societal discussions about beauty standards and representation. Chidimma Adetshina offered reflections on this issue as she emphasized the diverse paths taken by the queens representing their countries, urging people to see the stories and efforts behind the crowns. She articulated the need for the beauty pageant sphere to progress appropriately and highlight the real hardships and triumphs of global contestants.
The Miss Universe pageant historically influences beauty ideals worldwide. With its recent changes, there has been hope for increased representation. Yet, comments from the CEO have led many to worry about the authenticity of this progress and whether the iconic competition can adapt to the contemporary demands for inclusivity and representation.
Moving forward, as the public remains divided over these recent remarks and the subsequent reactions from pageant leaders, one thing is clear: the conversation about beauty and inclusivity is far from over.