Victoria Kjaer Theilvig’s recent victory as Miss Universe 2024 has sparked a whirlwind of reactions across social media, blending celebration with controversy. Theilvig, a 21-year-old from Denmark, made history by becoming the first Danish contestant to win the prestigious title during the 73rd edition of the pageant held in Mexico City. She emerged victorious against over 120 competitors, including first runner-up Miss Nigeria and second runner-up Miss Mexico.
Her win has reignited discussions regarding the pageant’s policy on transgender participants. Many social media users have sarcastically celebrated Theilvig’s victory as a return to traditional beauty standards, contrasting it with last year’s competition that featured transgender contestants. Prominent figures, including Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk, have commented on her win, framing it as a rejection of “woke” ideologies in beauty pageants. Trump Jr. remarked that the result signifies a shift back to allowing “biological women” to win such titles.
In her acceptance speech and subsequent interviews, Theilvig shared her personal journey, highlighting her experiences overcoming childhood trauma and her commitment to advocating for animal rights and mental health awareness. She expressed her intention to inspire others by demonstrating that one’s past does not dictate their future.
The event itself was vibrant, showcasing cultural diversity with contestants from various countries, some participating for the first time. Despite the mixed reactions surrounding her win, Theilvig’s achievement is being celebrated as a significant milestone for Denmark in the Miss Universe competition.
