Miss Universe CEO Anne Jakrajutatip is under fire after her controversial remark about “blonde and blue eyes” being the “ultimate evolution” of the pageant sparked outrage among fans and contestants. The comments came during a press conference following Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig being crowned Miss Universe 2024. The Thai businesswoman and the first transgender CEO of the organization has faced backlash from social media users accusing her of promoting exclusionary beauty standards.
The Controversial Remark That Started It All
The uproar began when Jakrajutatip was asked about the organization’s efforts to evolve its inclusivity during a press conference. She responded, “Evolution? We have blonde and blue eyes, so we’re coming to the ultimate evolution already. We don’t need any more evolution here.” Her response, which some interpreted as dismissive of diversity, led to an online firestorm. Fans expressed their disappointment, labeling the remarks as tone-deaf and divisive.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “The Miss Universe CEO boldly saying blonde hair and blue eyes is the standard is soooo shocking.” Another user commented, “Stop giving them your money. Better ways to invest your time, heart, and talents!” Critics accused the organization of abandoning its mission to empower women from all backgrounds, and many called for changes in leadership.
Chidimma Adetshina Breaks Her Silence
Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Universe’s first runner-up and the first Nigerian contestant to make the top five, addressed the controversy in an interview with Business Insider. While she stated she was “not really offended” by Jakrajutatip’s comment, she noted that it might simply reflect the CEO’s perspective on the evolution of the pageant.
However, Adetshina did not hold back when responding to a separate comment made by Donald Trump Jr. after Victoria’s win. Trump Jr. had posted, “Biological & objectively attractive women are allowed to win beauty pageants again. WE ARE SO BACK!!!” Adetshina described the comment as dismissive of the accomplishments of past winners and a disservice to the pageant’s mission.
“All the queens crowned are so beautiful in their own ways,” Adetshina said. “For him to make a comment like that disregards the diversity and effort of past queens.”
Diverse Reactions From the Pageant Community
The controversy has reignited conversations about inclusivity within the Miss Universe organization. Fans were divided, with some defending Jakrajutatip’s remarks as a nod to underrepresented winners while others criticized her for perpetuating narrow beauty standards.
In a statement posted to Instagram, pageantry news account @roadtomissusa criticized the leadership, stating, “The concerning statements from the director and CEO, combined with the subpar production quality, suggest that the organization is more focused on garnering attention for themselves rather than uplifting and empowering women.”
Supporters of Jakrajutatip argued that her remarks highlighted a broader spectrum of representation within the pageant. One fan wrote, “It’s evolutionary because we’ve had everything in the spectrum. Love the new Miss Universe.”
Previous Controversies Add Fuel to the Fire
This is not the first time Jakrajutatip has faced criticism for her remarks. In June, leaked footage revealed her controversial stance on diversity within the competition. She was recorded saying that trans women, married women, and divorced women could compete but not win. “It’s a communication strategy…social inclusion, as people would say,” she reportedly stated.
Her past comments have raised questions about the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and its efforts to navigate evolving societal expectations. Critics argue that while Jakrajutatip has implemented progressive policies on paper, her statements often contradict the spirit of those changes.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s Role Amidst the Backlash
Amid the uproar, newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig has largely remained silent. An animal rights activist and survivor of abuse, she has focused on her advocacy platform. However, her win and Jakrajutatip’s comments have placed her in the center of a heated debate about beauty standards and representation within the pageant industry.
Calls for Change
As public criticism continues, many fans are calling for greater transparency and leadership accountability within the Miss Universe organization. “The pageant needs to refocus on its core mission of empowering women,” one fan wrote. Others suggested that the organization should prioritize diverse voices in its leadership to better align with its stated values.
The controversy underscores the challenges faced by global institutions like Miss Universe in balancing tradition with the need for modern representation. Whether the organization can repair its reputation and regain the trust of fans remains to be seen.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.