In a controversy shaking the pageant world, Magalí Benejam, Miss Universe Argentina 2024, has been stripped of her title after leveling bold accusations against the competition.
Benejam, 30, who placed 12th in the November event held in Mexico City, went viral after claiming in a Dec. 19 YouTube interview that the Miss Universe competition operates under pre-determined outcomes.
“The judges were visibly confused during the selection,” she alleged. “They looked at each other as if to say, ‘This isn’t what we chose.’ That’s when I knew—it’s fixed. It’s always been fixed.”
According to Benejam, the ultimate winner, 21-year-old Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, arrived with an unusual level of preparation, including heightened security, signaling she already knew the outcome.
Benejam didn’t stop at accusing the organization. She criticized other contestants, calling out Miss Puerto Rico Jennifer Colón specifically for being “unfriendly” and wearing the “worst” gown of the evening.
Her remarks about Colón, coupled with claims that the competition lacked fairness, sparked backlash among fans and fellow contestants.
The Miss Universe Organization wasted no time in responding.
“After a thorough review of recent public comments made by Miss Magalí Benejam, we have decided to withdraw immediately the title of Miss Universe Argentina,” the organization announced in a statement last week.
The statement emphasized the organization’s commitment to “integrity and mutual respect” while reaffirming its mission to provide “opportunities for women to excel and inspire.”
This isn’t the first time the Miss Universe pageant has faced drama. Leading up to the 2024 finals, contestants from Armenia, Fiji, and Panama were disqualified for undisclosed reasons. Benejam’s removal adds another layer to the swirling controversy surrounding the competition.
Former contestants and insiders have weighed in on the scandal. María Fernanda Navarro, a past Miss Universe runner-up, defended the pageant’s integrity.
“I competed knowing the judging process was transparent,” Navarro told Pageant Weekly. “These claims only hurt the community we’ve built over decades.”
Fans, however, are divided. Some are rallying behind Benejam, calling her a “whistleblower,” while others criticize her for tarnishing the reputation of fellow contestants.
A recent poll by Latin Trends revealed that 57% of respondents believe pageants need more transparency, while 43% think Benejam’s accusations are unfounded.
Despite the backlash, Benejam remains defiant. “I spoke my truth,” she stated in a follow-up social media post.
Whether her claims will lead to changes in the pageant world remains uncertain. One thing is clear: Benejam’s bold statements have thrust the Miss Universe competition into the global spotlight, raising questions about fairness, transparency, and the future of pageantry.
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The whole beauty pagent is a lot of sexist crap as beauty is not just skin level it goes to the core of each contestent. But then again, aren’t these constests out dated given the movement of the world governing women. When are we going to see the pagent taken over by the Trans people which will only end it and put it 6 foot under for good>
Well the Democrats rig elections in the US… So why not Beauty Pageants?
She looks like a he!