Chidimma Adetshina, the first runner-up of Miss Universe, has finally responded to the controversial remarks made by the beauty pageant’s CEO, Anne Jakrajutatip.
Anne’s comment, which caught the attention of many, came when she was asked about the pageant’s steps to evolve following Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s crowning as Miss Universe.
Anne, the Thai businesswoman and the first transgender woman to own the Miss Universe pageant, made a bold statement: “Evolution? We have blonde and blue eyes, so we’re coming to the ultimate evolution already.
We don’t need any more evolution here. We already got the best here.”
Her comment was met with an outpouring of backlash from beauty pageant fans across social media.
Chidimma’s Reaction to the CEO’s Statement
Despite the widespread criticism of Anne’s statement, Chidimma remained calm and unbothered.
When speaking to Business Insider, she revealed that she wasn’t particularly offended by the CEO’s comment.
“Maybe that’s just her perspective; maybe that’s how she felt about the evolution of Miss Universe,” Chidimma said.
While she didn’t take Anne’s words personally, Chidimma did express concern over another comment made by Donald Trump Jr.
Chidimma Takes Issue with Donald Trump Jr.’s Remarks
Following Victoria’s win, Donald Trump Jr. made a remark online saying, “Biological & objectively attractive women are allowed to win beauty pageants again. WE ARE SO BACK!!!”
Chidimma was disappointed by this comment, emphasizing that all the queens who were crowned were beautiful in their own unique ways.
“For him to make a comment like that, I feel like he was disregarding all the past queens,” Chidimma stated.
She understood why the comment sparked a social media firestorm and acknowledged the harm it caused.
Backlash and Support for the CEO’s Remarks
Anne Jakrajutatip’s comment about blonde hair and blue eyes as the “ultimate evolution” sparked a massive reaction online.
Fans of the Miss Universe pageant flooded social media with criticism, calling her statement shocking and insensitive.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) questioned, “What do you mean the evolution is blonde and blue eyes?”
Another user shared, “The Miss Universe CEO boldly saying blonde hair and blue eyes is the standard is soooo…”
However, there were some who defended Anne, arguing that the comment was evolutionary since it had been almost two decades since the last blonde winner.
Some expressed support for Anne’s stance, stating that the diversity of the pageant was now represented by a different standard.
Despite the division, it was clear that Anne’s words had stirred strong emotions across the board.
CEO’s Controversial History with Diversity
Anne Jakrajutatip’s controversial comments about diversity and inclusion within the Miss Universe competition aren’t new.
Earlier this year, a leaked video showed Anne stating that trans women, married women, and divorced women could compete in the pageant, but they would not be allowed to win.
She defended this stance as part of a “communication strategy,” suggesting that while social inclusion was important, it would not lead to victory for these contestants.
The CEO’s remarks continue to raise questions about her leadership and the direction of the Miss Universe pageant.
As the controversy rages on, many are wondering what the future holds for the competition and whether these divisive opinions will affect its image.
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