Miss USA crowned Miss Universe 2023

The crown at the 71st Miss Universe Competition went to the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA on Saturday night at the international beauty pageant in New Orleans, reported Fox News. 

R’Bonney Gabriel, who is a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas, won against 83 contestants. According to the outlet, she closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, the moment the winner was announced. She then beamed with joy upon her name being called out. 

As the celebratory music played, she was handed a bouquet of flowers and draped in the winner’s sash. To top it off, she was adorned with the Miss Universe tiara onstage. 

In the Q&A at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is "an empowering and progressive organization" if she were to win.

She said, "I would use it to be a transformational leader.” Bringing attention to her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, she added, "It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference.” Gabriel concluded, "We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change."

Prior to this, the Miss USA pageant — Miss Brand Corp — was suspended by the Miss Universe Organization after allegations surfaced that the competition was rigged. Claims were made about the winner being predetermined in October 2022.
Miss Texas R'Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss USA on October 3. Shortly after her win, contestants began to complain that she had also been "pre-selected" to be the next titleholder. 

As for Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu, who gained weight since winning the crown, walked the Miss Universe stage for one last time, holding back her tears. In August last year, she had also spoken about being constantly criticised on social media.

"I was bullied for gaining weight," said the Indian-born beauty queen. "It was kind of uncomfortable and really surprising for me to see how people started having opinions, which should not really matter. It’s not about how you look, it’s about who you are from inside and how you treat people and what you believe in."

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