Newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig is facing intense criticism after a TikTok video showed her using a racial slur.
Theilvig, representing Denmark, won the 73rd Miss Universe title on November 16th in Mexico City, where she competed against 120 other beauty pageant hopefuls.
Her selection as the winner was seen as a victory for the 'anti-woke' after the 2023 competition featured married, plus-sized, and transgender contestants.
In a video posted from the Empire State Building, the Denmark pageant star sang along to Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind,' which includes the N-word.
Social media users quickly condemned Theilvig's use of the slur, calling for her to apologize and be stripped of her title.
'Runner up, you're up, this one is DONE,' said one disgusted user.
'In the crown at that omg,' said another, shocked that she would have the audacity to present the Miss Universe organization in such a way.
'I feel like she needs to be decrowned an apology is not enough,' said TikTok user Majin Mo, who created a video questioning whether Theilvig would even apologize.
Newly crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig is facing intense criticism after a TikTok video surfaced showing her using the N word
Theilvig, representing Denmark, won the 73rd Miss Universe title on November 16th in Mexico City, where she competed against 120 other beauty pageant hopefuls
The Miss Universe organization and Theilvig herself have yet to publicly address the controversy.
Some speculate that the incident may go unpunished, given past statements by CEO Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, the first trans woman to fully own the Miss Universe organization, who has expressed controversial views on diversity and inclusion.
Jakrajutatip has previously said in a leaked video that while diverse women can compete in the pageant, they 'cannot win.'
'The trans women, the women with husbands, divorced women… This is a communication strategy, because, you understand… they can compete, but they cannot win. We just put the policy out there. Social inclusion, as people would say,' the Thai media mogul said in the video.
When discussing the evolution of the Miss Universe pageant in a press conference that has since gone viral, the CEO recently stated that the competition has already reached its peak.
In a video posted from the Empire State Building, Theilvig sang along to Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind,' which included the N-word
Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig lights the Empire State Building on November 22
Theilvig poses at Gary Nader Art Centre on November 21 in Miami, Florida
Theilvig poses for a selfie while at the Empire State Building in New York - November 22, 2024
'Evolution? We have blond 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,' the controversial CEO said in a clip posted to Instagram by @roadtomissusa.
This year's Miss Universe pageant saw a return to tradition, with a cisgender woman taking the crown.
This comes after recent years of increasing inclusivity, including the participation of transgender contestants like Miss Spain 2018 Angela Ponce and Miss Netherlands 2022 Rikkie Valerie Kolle.
The shift towards more traditional western beauty standards sparked a wave of online commentary, with some users expressing surprise and others celebrating the return to 'normalcy.'
'BREAKING: Fans shocked after straight, white, biological woman wins Miss Universe 2024,' wrote popular political commentator Matt Wallace to his more than two million followers.
'Reality just made a comeback! Congrats, Denmark!' added another.
'The tides are turning the woke virus is on the run. Hold the line,' said someone else.
Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe last week and became the first Dane to ever win the competition.
The glamorous competitive dancer and aspiring lawyer put on an extravagant display at the 73rd Miss Universe final in Mexico City on November 16.
Theilvig competing in the swimsuit section of the 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City - November 16, 2024
Theilvig can't contain her delight as she is announced Miss Universe on November 16
The glamorous competitive dancer and aspiring lawyer put on an extravagant display at the 73rd Miss Universe final in Mexico City
The 2024 crown, named 'Lumiere De L'Infini', has been described by president and founder of Miss Universe Raul Rocha as 'the most beautiful in the history of Miss Universe'
When asked how she would live differently if nobody would judge her, Theilvig said she wouldn't change anything, saying: 'I live by each day'
Theiilvig is mobbed by other competitors after winning Miss Universe in Mexico City on November 16, 2024
When asked by the judging panel what she would say to those watching, the Danish beauty urged viewers to 'keep fighting … no matter where you come from'
Theilvig, pictured, stood out to the judges in the preliminary competition at Arena Ciudad de Mexico
During the preliminary national costume round, which showcased sparkling outfits that represent what each contestant loves about their homelands, Theilvig was a Viking goddess
The 21-year-old beat more than 120 other contestants and accepted the tiara from reigning title holder Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
Theilvig broke down in tears as he name was announced by American host Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
The pageant began with contestants being narrowed down to a shortlist of 30, before five later faced questions on a range of topics, including leadership and resilience.
When asked how she would live differently if nobody would judge her, Theilvig said she wouldn't change anything, saying: 'I live by each day.'
When asked by the judging panel what she would say to those watching, the Danish beauty urged viewers to 'keep fighting … no matter where you come from.'
'I stand here today because I want a change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight,' she said.
