Miss Universe 2024 has just found its new owner: Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old beauty from Denmark. She is an animal rights activist and aspires to become a lawyer. Victoria is the first Dane to win this title.

This year's competition witnessed something unprecedented in over a decade when Alma Cooper – a former West Point Military Academy cadet, active-duty military service member, and current master's student at Stanford – failed to make it to the Miss Universe semifinals.

From the contracts contestants had to sign to participate, to the legal troubles faced by the organizers, to the organization and production of the competition... many problems arose, painting a picture of a chaotic organization, potentially marking the end of Miss USA or Miss Universe.

ABC News documentary about the Miss Universe Organization:

Video : ABC News

In its documentary, ABC News interviewed... Rafa Delphine, a beauty pageant expert with nearly 30 years of experience and founder of the blog Critical Beauty, commented that the production of Miss Universe 2024 was a disaster, lacking the magic that audiences were used to in previous Miss Universe competitions.

Most notably, the contestants' performance time was significantly reduced in the semi-finals. "Many of the 127 girls spent six months to a year preparing, but only appeared for one or two seconds. This is clearly pure business – the more countries participate, the more money they make. I think this year they sacrificed quality for quantity. That has disappointed and angered fans," Delphine commented.

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The image of Ky Duyen was used to illustrate her brief performance time in the documentary. Photo: Screenshot

The competition further lost credibility when Miss Universe leaders had ethical issues. Before the competition took place, two figures from the Miss Universe organization, Osmel Sousa and transgender billionaire Anne Jakrajutatip, publicly livestreamed discussions while eating and selecting the top 30 contestants.

Furthermore, these two individuals were also involved in mocking Miss Lebanon, Nada Koussa, leading to the contestant's temporary withdrawal from the competition. Lebanon also demanded an apology from the Miss Universe organization. The Miss Universe organization subsequently apologized, and the video was removed from social media.

The situation became even more serious when both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA (part of the Miss Universe Organization) resigned in 2023 – an unprecedented event in the competition's 70-year history. In an 8-page resignation letter obtained by ABC News , Miss USA 2023, Noelia Voigt, stated she was giving up her crown "for physical and mental health" and denounced the "toxic work environment" under the leadership of president Layla Lewisley (or Layla Rose).

Claudia Englehart, former Social Media Director of the Miss Universe Organization, revealed details of the terrible work environment just two weeks after starting, describing it as: "Leaders belittled, harshly criticized, hurt others, and didn't support them."

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Claudia Englehart, former Director of Social Media for the Miss Universe Organization. Photo: Screenshot

She accused Layla Rose of controlling staff too meticulously, even taking control of Miss USA's official Instagram account, blocking followers, and posting and commenting in the beauty queen's name. Of the three people who had access to the account – including Claudia and Noelia – none posted those comments, leaving only Rose as the only possibility.

In messages obtained by ABC News , Noelia directly confronted Layla Rose and the Miss USA team, writing: "I see someone commenting on my behalf. I am completely uncomfortable with this."

The comments Noelia referred to included phrases such as: "Thanks Layla Rose for making all this happen" and "She's done too much. Love, our president." While legally not a violation of the law, this behavior raises serious ethical issues.

ABC News reports that the reigning Miss USA, Alma Cooper, has hired lawyers regarding her role. However, her team declined to comment on the matter.

When ABC News contacted Layla Rose for an interview and comment, they also did not receive a response.

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The Miss Universe organization has issued an official response regarding the information presented in the documentary.

Immediately after the documentary aired, the Miss Universe Organization quickly issued an official response, firmly denying all allegations, stating that the information was baseless and misleading, aimed at damaging the organization's reputation.

In its statement, Miss Universe said it particularly protects the reputation of its leaders and members. They are described as honorable individuals who consistently demonstrate ethical qualities and live up to the organization's core values.

The organization also expressed disappointment with the way the media reported the information without verification and without verifiable evidence. Miss Universe stated that it reserves the right to take legal action against false information.

Ultimately, the Miss Universe Organization affirmed that it would not allow these "unfounded distractions" to affect its mission. The organization is committed to continuing its role in promoting unity, celebrating diversity, and advocating for women's empowerment.

Ky Duyen makes it to the Top 30, while Miss Denmark is crowned Miss Universe 2024. Miss Denmark beat over 124 contestants from various countries and territories to win Miss Universe 2024, held in Azcapotzalco, Mexico. Ky Duyen from Vietnam finished in the Top 30.