Chidimma Adetshina, the first Nigerian to achieve a place in the top five of the Miss Universe pageant and current first runner-up, has spoken out about a controversial statement by the executive director of Miss Universe, Anne Jakrajutatip. The comment, which It occurred after the coronation of the Danish Victoria Kjær Theilvig as Miss Universecaused an intense reaction on the networks. However, Chidimma’s perspective has surprised many.
© Getty ImagesDuring an interview discussing the evolution of the pageant, Jakrajutatip, a Thai businesswoman and the first transgender owner of the Miss Universe franchise, made a statement that many considered shocking. When a journalist asked her about the evolution of Miss Universe, Anne raised her eyebrows and exclaimed: “Evolution? We have blondes and blue eyes, so we are already reaching the maximum evolution. We don’t need more evolution here. We already have the best here. “, he commented, referring to the fact that Victoria Kjær Theilvig is the first blonde winner in 20 years.
© Getty ImagesThe comment sparked widespread criticism, with pageant fans and social media users calling it “insensitive and exclusive”. Although many thought the comment ignored the inclusivity and diversity that pageants like Miss Universe seek to promote, Miss Universe 2024 first runner-up Chidimma Adetshina downplayed Jakrajutatip’s comments.
Chidimma’s response
Despite the scandal, Chidimma seemed unfazed by Jakrajutatip’s words. He explained to Business Insider: “It didn’t really offend me.. Maybe that’s your perspective; “maybe that’s how she felt about the evolution of Miss Universe.” Chidimma acknowledged the importance of understanding different points of view, even if they aren’t to everyone’s liking. However, the beauty queen was less forgiving about the tweet. Donald Trump Jr. after Victoria’s victory, Chidimma expressed his disappointment at the comment, stating: “All the queens who were crowned are so beautiful in their own way, so by making a comment like that, I feel like I was ignoring all of them. the previous queens.”
© Getty ImagesVictoria Kjær Theilvig’s first official visit to Asia amid controversy
Victoria Kjær Theilvig is in Thailand as part of her first official visit to Asia since winning the crown on November 16, 2024. Following her recent trips to Miami and New York, where she had an exclusive interview with HOLA! USA & Americas and illuminated the Empire State Building, the Danish beauty queen continues to fulfill her role as global ambassador of the Miss Universe Organization.
© Getty ImagesWhile Denmark is not a big country when it comes to beauty pageants, like many countries in Latin America and Asia, Kjær Theilvig represents his nation with dignity, even in the face of backlash, as Thai fans took to social media to express their discontent, believing that their representative, Suchata Chuangsri, was unfairly denied the crown.
Anne called the fans’ outrage “ridiculous” and urged critics to put their disappointment behind them. She emphasized that this year’s system evaluates contestants’ performance throughout the competition, not just the final night: “A Miss Universe must be a brand ambassador: someone nice, friendly and hardworking.” Anne explained. She also reiterated that it is not mandatory to speak English fluently and that all contestants can respond in their native language.
© Getty ImagesDespite the controversy, Victoria previously told HOLA! that, as a global ambassador for Miss Universe, what excites her most about traveling is “everything.” He added: “I can’t wait to travel the world, experience different cultures and connect with local communities. I want to offer help where I can. While I know I can’t change the entire world, I can make a difference in small ways. Yes I can help just one person, that will bring me a lot of hope.