The newest Miss Universe winner, R’Bonney Gabriel, revealed the update during New York Fashion Week.
The Miss Universe pageant, which began in 1952, is making a significant change. The winner of Miss Universe 2023, R’Bonney Gabriel, announced during Tanner Fletcher’s New York Fashion Week show that the pageant will no longer have an age limit. Starting next year, any woman over 18 can participate, whereas before, the limit was 28.
Gabriel expressed her admiration for Miss Universe, saying they are always at the forefront of inclusivity and striving to fulfill their platform.
She said, “The people in charge here are brave and forward-thinking, and many tend to follow our lead. It’s wonderful to set an example, and I’m happy to be part of this.”
According to WWD, Gabriel, who was the USA’s representative in the recent pageant, is now the oldest Miss Universe, winning at 28. She shared with the magazine that when she was asked about changes she’d make to the organization during the question segment, she emphasized her desire for women of all ages to have the opportunity to compete.
Gabriel mentioned, “When I took part, the highest age allowed was 28, and I was 28 then. So, I suggested that we should alter this—a woman’s chance to compete in Miss Universe, or anything else in life, shouldn’t be restricted by her age. Age should only be a number.
SOURCE: PARADE