Bhubaneswar: South Africa’s women rights activist Zozibini Tunzi was crowned as Miss Universe 2019 by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. The colourful event was held at Atlanta on Sunday night.
While Miss Puerto Rico Madison Anderson became the first runners-up, Miss Universe Mexico is the second-runner up. India’s Vartika Singh failed to make it to top ten.
In her closing speech, a new segment in the competition, the new crown holder spoke of breaking colour stereotypes and wanting to empower young women.
“I grew up in a world where women who look like me with my kind of skin or my kind of hair are not considered to be beautiful, I think that it is time that this stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face, then see their faces reflected in mine,” Zozibini Tunzi said on stage before she was crowned Miss Universe 2019.
Tunzi beat over 90 contestants from around the globe in the 68th instalment of Miss Universe, which was held in Atlanta’s Tyler Perry Studios.
In videos posted on the official Miss Universe Twitter account, Tunzi is seen teared up while celebrating and hugging other contestants. “There’s work to do,” the new Miss Universe said adding that this moment is “surreal “.
Your new Miss Universe!!!! ?????#MissUniverse2019 pic.twitter.com/vqcZXjY7Zg
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 9, 2019