New Delhi: Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was crowned Miss Universe in this year’s pageant finale on Sunday in Florida. While, fellow contestant Miss Myanmar used her time to draw attention to the bloody military coup that took place in her country. The competition returned to television on Sunday night, after it was cancelled in 2020 for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Andrea Meza, 26, finished at the top ahead of the Brazilian and Peruvian finalists in the flashy event which was hosted by television personality Olivia Culpo and American actor Mario Lopez. Former contestants of the pageant Cheslie Kryst, Paulina Vega and Demi-Leigh Tebow (2017 winner) served as competition analysts and commentators, whereas, a panel of eight women determined the winner.
Meza sported a sparkling red evening gown as she tearfully walked the catwalk as Miss Universe for the first time, before rushing back to hug the other competitors. Meza defeated more than 70 contestants from around the world in the 69th installment of Miss Universe. The event was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
On the other hand, Miss Myanmar Thuzar Wint Lwin, who made the top 21, used her time on the stage to bring attention to the bloody coup in her country carried out by the Myanmar military. She said in her biographical video, “Our people are dying and being shot by the military every day,” while she shared photos of her taking part in the anti-coup protests. She further said, “Therefore I would like to urge everyone to speak out about Myanmar.”
Earlier, she won the award for best national costume segment of the competition on Thursday. Her outfit was beaded in traditional Burmese patterns and held up a sign that said, “Pray for Myanmar.”
Myanmar army ousted the civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, since the whole country has seen various clashes between army and the civilians. According to a local monitoring group, atleast 796 people have been murdered by security forces since then while around 4,000 have been imprisoned.
Miss Singapore Bernadette Belle Ong also used the national costume portion to make a political statement. Even though she didn’t make it to Top 21. She was dressed in a glittering red bodysuit and matching thigh-high boots, she turned around to reveal her cape which was painted with the words “Stop Asian Hate.” She shared the outfit on her Instagram while saying, “What is this platform for if I can’t use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence?”
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In US the anti-Asian violence has increased in the past year and the activists blame former president Donald Trump for that. They believe it is because of Trump’s rhetoric and his repeated description of Covid-19 as the ‘China virus’.
