R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas who competition officials said is the first Filipino American to win Miss USA, was crowned Miss Universe amid allegations of “fraud”.

Gabriel closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her name was announced.

https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/1614472872382304256

Thumping music rang out, and she was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped in the winner's sash and crowned with a tiara onstage at the 71st Miss Universe Competition, held in New Orleans.

https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/1614488462865960960

In the Q&A at the last stage of the competition for the three finalists, Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” if she were to win.

https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/1614472648414875648

“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she responded, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching sewing to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. “It is so important to invest in others, invest in our community and use your unique talent to make a difference."

https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/1614491275176325121

Rights to the pageant — once partly owned by former President Donald Trump — were bought last year by a Thai business tycoon and transgender activist for $20 million from IMG Worldwide LLC, a New York-based sports and talent marketing company.

Chakrapong “Anne” Chakrajutathib, who controls JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., is a reality show star in Thailand who is outspoken about being a transgender woman.

https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/1614471022648119297

Pageant dubbed 'fraud'

Anne Chakrajutathp, the chief of JKN Global Group, which owns both Miss Universe and Miss USA, is being chastised online by disgruntled fans who believe she has a vested interest in both events. 

On Saturday, January 14, night in New Orleans, R'Bonney Gabriel was crowned the 71st Miss Universe. Nevertheless, it is certain that most people who believed Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel would triumph that evening were not really pleased with Gabriel's victory. Everyone is already drawing conclusions and pointing out that the American victory was a fraud.

https://twitter.com/UKRINFORM/status/1613511780701188098

Gabriel's rivals also questioned the legitimacy of her victory, saying it was strange because less than 24 hours after she won, Gabriel was featured in advertising for a beauty treatment company that awards the winner a prize.

Gabriel appeared in a NIZUC spas advertisement less than 24 hours after she was crowned, which made the other competitors believe the event had been rigged from the start and stated that Gabriel's victory was due to "favoritism."–meaww.com