Ugly turns Beauty show controversies

Wrong winner announced

In 2015, Steve Harvey, the Miss Universe host, incorrectly crowned Miss Colombia the winner of the beauty contest live

on television. A few moments later he was forced to admit his mistake, stripping her of the crown and awarding it to Miss Philippines.

Crown forced from winner

In 2021, Pushpika De Silva, the Miss World winner from

Sri Lanka (left), was taken to hospital after her crown was forcefully removed from her head on stage by former winner Caroline Jurie, who declared that Ms De Silva was divorced, a rule that prevents contestants from competing. Ms De Silva rejected the claim and Ms Jurie was later arrested.

Dress sabotaged During the 2008 Miss Universe pageant, Ingrid Marie Rivera, Miss Puerto Rico, revealed that a contestant had sprayed her make-up, gown and swimming costume with pepper spray. She was initially accused of lying, but it was later proved that she had indeed been sabotaged.

Trans finalist kicked out

In 2012, after becoming a finalist, transgender Jenna Talackova (left) from Vancouver was disqualified from Miss Universe Canada after officials learnt that she wasn’t a “naturally born female” as was specified in the guidelines. After the incident the ban on transgender contestants was removed.

Fix allegations Following the Miss USA pageant in 2022, several contestants took to social media accusing Crystle Stewart, the president of the competition, of rigging the competition in favour of Miss Texas, R’bonney Gabriel. They claimed she had been given a hair and make-up team and that it was predetermined that the Texas native and fashion designer would win the pageant.