Beauty Queens and Drama
The pageant has always been a source of glamorous moments, breathtaking gowns, stunning beauty, and international stardom. Yet the notorious Miss Universe pageant has also been surrounded by pageantry controversies that are never short of shocking to its fans. So with that in mind, here are 10 surprising controversies that left people surprised, as well as 10 queens that have stood the test of time.
1. Ingrid Marie Rivera (2008)
Miss Puerto Rico 2008 Ingrid Marie Rivera made a sabotage claim in her reign. Rivera claimed her evening gown and makeup were laced with pepper spray, resulting in hives on her skin. She also had to use ice packs after the pageant due to the supposed attack. The Associated Press found that Rivera's gown and swimsuit tested positive for pepper spray. The investigators also determined that two employees of the pageant were most likely responsible.
2. Steve Harvey’s Mistake
In the 2015 Miss Universe pageant, host Steve Harvey incorrectly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutiérrez as the winner of the pageant. The crown and sash were put on Gutiérrez before Harvey returned to the stage to announce the winner. He corrected himself by saying that the real winner was Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Harvey took full responsibility for the gaffe, which was considered one of the most notorious live television blunders of all time.
3. Maria Fernanda Pavisic (2022)
Miss Bolivia 2022 Maria Fernanda Pavisic was stripped of her title for posting a video where she insulted other Miss Universe contestants. In the now-viral video, Pavisic ridiculed the looks of various women and referred to some as “old ladies.” The clip was met with strong backlash online after it spread quickly.
Charlota Blunarova on Unsplash
4. Mary Leona Gage (1957)
Mary Leona Gage was crowned Miss USA 1957 and was planning to compete in the Miss Universe 1957 pageant as the United States' representative, but it was not to be. The Miss Universe organization officially stripped Gage of her title the day after she was crowned Miss USA, upon learning that she had in fact been married (a union that produced two children) and had lied about her age. The Miss USA pageant rules and eligibility requirements during this period prohibited married women and mothers from competing, a standard which has since been upheld until 2023.
5. Anna Linnikova (2022–2023)
Miss Russia 2022, Anna Linnikova, felt like "an outcast" and that other contestants avoided her during the 71st Miss Universe pageant, she alleged. She said other contestants started to distance themselves after discovering she was Russian during the war in Ukraine. Miss Ukraine Viktoria Apanasenko, however, said that was not entirely true, only that Linnikova asked her for a selfie. She also stated that she was not comfortable sharing the stage with Linnikova in the national costume portion of the competition due to the ongoing conflict.
6. Anyella Grados (2019)
Miss Peru 2019, Anyella Grados, was stripped of her title after a video of her apparently drunk and vomiting was leaked. Miss Teen Peru 2018 Camila Canicoba had taken the video and accidentally uploaded it to social media. In the video, a second Miss Peru contestant, Yoko Chang, is also seen. The Miss Peru franchise quickly cut all connections with Grados. Privacy and personal conduct standards for titleholders have been questioned again following the scandal.
7. Jenna Talackova (2012)
Jenna Talackova intended to enter the 2012 Miss Canada pageant, a preliminary to the Miss Universe contest. Canada's pageant disqualified Talackova from entering. Talackova's exclusion from the contest became a major public relations issue, and she retained the services of women's rights lawyer Gloria Allred.
8. Kristhielee Caride (2016)
Kristhielee Caride was stripped of her Miss Universe Puerto Rico crown just months before the 2016 Miss Universe pageant. The decision came because of her canceled appearances and refusal to answer questions during a media interview. Pageant officials responded that interacting with the public is a vital part of the job.
9. Bullying Allegations (2018)
Miss USA Sarah Rose Summers, Miss Australia Francesca Hung, and Miss Colombia Valeria Morales were accused of bullying other contestants during the 2018 pageant. Summers was recorded during rehearsals making disparaging remarks about Miss Vietnam H'Hen Niê and Miss Cambodia Rern Sinat's English-language abilities. Commentators on social media said that the comments mocked the contestants' ability to speak English in a tone that was culturally insensitive.
10. Miss Universe Thailand Walkout (2025)
During the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, a conflict occurred after the Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil shouted at Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch during a livestream broadcast. Itsaragrisil scolded the Miss Mexico team at a sponsorship event and called for security to remove Miss Mexico from the venue. In protest, several contestants and Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig left the room.
Now that we talked about some Miss Universe blunders, here are 10 moments that live on for all the right reasons.
Alejandro Cartagena 🇲🇽🏳🌈 on Unsplash
1. Sushmita Sen (India, 1994)
Sushmita Sen won the Miss Universe title in 1994, instantly becoming a global sensation. With her soulful expression and ethereal aura, she left a lasting impression both on and off the stage. Sen also made a mark in Bollywood and was awarded the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Biwi No. 1 (1999).
Bollywood Hungama on Wikimedia
2. Catriona Gray (Philippines, 2018)
Catriona Gray was crowned Miss Universe 2018, bringing back the title to the Philippines after three years and winning praise for her patriotism, hard work, and inspirational story. Gray was also the country's representative for Miss World 2016, which gave her international fame and respect among people all over the world, despite controversies that surrounded the conclusion of the competition.
Avito C. Dalan for the Philippine News Agency on Wikimedia
3. Jennifer Hawkins (Australia, 2004)
Jennifer Hawkins secured the Miss Universe 2004 crown with her bronzed, beach body and natural beauty, epitomizing the Australian supermodel look. Her poise and sophistication, coupled with her commitment to healthy living, fitness, and minimal makeup outside of pageant events, set her apart. Hawkins dazzled the international stage with her sunny disposition and genuine confidence.
4. Olivia Culpo (USA, 2012)
Olivia Culpo attributes her Miss Universe 2012 win to her graceful doll-like features, modern sensibilities, and poised stage presence. She uses these beauty secrets: healthy food, facial steaming, gua sha massages, brow grooming, and the best serums. Culpo's glamour, grace, and modern appeal make her more than just a beauty queen; she is a global influencer in the world of pageantry.
5. Pia Wurtzbach (Philippines, 2015)
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is poised, intelligent, and has a commanding stage presence that made her win unforgettable, especially after the historic Steve Harvey mix-up. Her bold swimsuit numbers, glamorous evening gowns, and poised Q&A performance demonstrated her confidence and charisma. Pia is also an advocate for youth empowerment and healthy living. Her work and warm personality have enabled her to relate well to the people.
Mark Tanoja from the Philippines
Cropped by Virgin Lighthouse (crop) on Wikimedia
6. Dayanara Torres (Puerto Rico, 1993)
Dayanara Torres is remembered for winning the Miss Universe 1993 title, which gave her international recognition and popularity overnight. She had a natural beauty that was enhanced by her "girl-next-door" image and school-girl blushing innocence when she appeared on stage. Her easy-going attitude and attentive self-care made Dayanara Torres a timeless and legendary beauty.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rocketboom/ on Wikimedia
7. Lupita Jones (Mexico, 1991)
Mexican beauty queen Lupita Jones became the first Mexican woman to win the Miss Universe title in 1991. She was renowned for her classic features, strong presence, and elegant poise. Lupita credits getting enough sleep, daily skincare, and healthy daily practices to her disciplined self-care routine. She has spoken of her commitment to taking care of herself for the long term. Jones was praised for her confidence and elegance during her time as a beauty queen.
8. Amelia Vega (Dominican Republic, 2003)
Miss Universe 2003, Amelia Vega, stood at an impressive height of 6’2” on stage. Her toned physique was the result of regular exercise and a positive lifestyle. Amelia Vega used no makeup on her face, only a little moisturizer. Vega won the Miss Universe pageant for being tall, poised, and glowing. Vega's beauty, grace, and charm are what made her one of the most memorable winners in the history of Miss Universe.
9. Zuleyka Rivera (Puerto Rico, 2006)
Zuleyka Rivera, the winner of Miss Universe 2006, is remembered for her stage presence and high fashion style, which made her an icon of crown moments. With her beautiful eyes and poised confidence, she stands out as one of the most stunning winners in the pageant's history. Rivera maintains her figure and glowing skin through hydration, skincare, dance, and strength training.
Raymundo Vázquez from México, México on Wikimedia
10. Lara Dutta (India, 2000)
Lara Dutta Bhupathi was crowned Miss Universe 2000, making her the second Indian woman to win the Miss Universe title. Dutta was noted for her intelligence, beauty, elegance, and level-headed nature. She won Miss Intercontinental in 1997 and had achieved the highest score ever of 9.99 points at the time of the pageant. Dutta was praised for her confidence, poise, charm, elegance, and outspoken personality that made her one of the most outstanding winners in the pageant's history.
