The 72nd Miss World pageant ended on a dramatic note this weekend in Telangana, India, with triumph, tears, and controversy taking center stage.
Newsonspot reports that Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri made history by becoming the first Thai woman to win the Miss World crown, outshining 107 other contestants from around the globe. She received the crown from last year’s winner, Krystyna Pyszková, in a dazzling ceremony celebrated worldwide.
Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia was named the first runner-up in the prestigious competition, now recognized as the oldest and longest-running international beauty pageant.
The official Miss World Instagram shared the news with excitement:
“What a night, what a team! The new Miss World, crowned in Telangana a few minutes ago, is Opal Suchata – the first Thai woman to win the Miss World title and the blue crown.”
However, the event was clouded by controversy surrounding Miss England, Milla Magee, 24, who dramatically withdrew from the competition. Magee accused organizers of exploiting contestants, alleging they were used to entertain wealthy male “sponsors” during lavish dinners in Hyderabad. She claimed the experience made her feel “like a prostitute.”
Magee stated she left the pageant under the pretext of a family emergency because she “just needed to get out” after feeling emotionally distressed and morally conflicted.
In response, Miss World organizer Julia Morley released footage showing Magee seemingly enjoying her time at the event. Morley said Magee cited her mother’s health as the reason for leaving and was treated with compassion.
A Miss World spokesperson called the allegations “completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us.”
Despite the scandal, the competition remains one of the Big Four global beauty contests, alongside Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss Earth.
