Beauty pageants are known for elegance, poise, and grace—but sometimes, even the most poised contestants face unexpected moments.
During the Miss Earth 2025 grand finale, Ukrainian beauty queen Mariia Zheliaskova found herself in just such a situation when she took a sudden tumble while being introduced on stage.
The Awkward Moment That Stole the Spotlight
As the announcer spoke warmly about Mariia’s commitment to raising funds for the Ukrainian military and her passion for her country, she began her confident walk across the runway.
But in an instant, her high heels betrayed her—sending her slipping to the side and landing softly on the stage floor.
The crowd gasped in shock, but Mariia’s swift recovery, along with her graceful smile, quickly turned the moment from embarrassment to admiration.
Applause erupted as she stood up and carried on as if nothing had happened.
Triumph Despite the Fall
Although Mariia didn’t walk away with the Miss Earth crown, her determination and elegance still shone through.
She was proudly named Vice Miss Earth 2025, earning her a place among the top winners.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing her gratitude and joy:
“I am beyond happy! I represented my home country with pride and strength.
Three unforgettable weeks in the Philippines have been a dream journey that started with Miss Odesa, then Miss Ukraine-Earth, and now a third victory that means so much.”
Mariia also thanked God for allowing her to represent Ukraine and raise her nation’s flag on an international stage, emphasizing her pride and gratitude for the experience.
The New Miss Earth 2025 Crowned
The top honor of Miss Earth 2025 went to Natalie Puskinova from Czechia, who succeeded Australia’s Jessica Lane as the reigning queen.
The announcement was met with loud cheers and a celebratory atmosphere as the contestants embraced each other on stage.
Another Pageant Sparks Controversy
While the Miss Earth event celebrated beauty and resilience, another international pageant was making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The Miss Universe competition found itself in the center of controversy when Miss Universe Mexico, Fátima Bosch, was publicly insulted by Thai organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil, who allegedly called her “dumb.”
The shocking comment led to chaos at the Bangkok ceremony, where Nawat reportedly ordered security to escort Bosch out after she accused him of disrespecting her.
The dramatic scene, captured on camera, quickly went viral.
Contestants Walk Out in Solidarity
In a powerful display of unity, several contestants—including Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, the reigning Miss Universe 2024—walked out of the event in protest.
Bosch later told reporters, “I love Thailand, but what your director did was not respectful. He called me dumb.”
Her bold stance earned her massive support online, with fans and former contestants applauding her courage to speak out.
“We are empowered women, and this platform gives us a voice—no one can silence that,” Bosch declared to a cheering crowd.
Miss Universe Organization Responds
The incident drew swift backlash from pageant officials.
Miss Universe President Raúl Rocha Cantú issued a strong statement condemning Nawat’s behavior, affirming that the organization “will not allow the values of respect and dignity toward women to be violated.”
What Comes Next for Pageant Culture
As both events show, beauty pageants continue to evolve beyond glamour and glitz.
They’ve become spaces where women not only showcase elegance but also resilience, voice, and solidarity.
From Mariia Zheliaskova’s poised recovery to Fátima Bosch’s fearless stand, these moments remind the world that true beauty lies in strength, confidence, and grace under pressure.