Kaylah Walton
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who represented Denmark, clinched the title at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant, captivating audiences worldwide. Celebrated as the “people’s favorite,” she stood out amid a night filled with thrills and some controversies. Just hours after the event, issues arose concerning the pageant’s translator, who mistakenly translated critical final questions for the contestants. This mistake particularly impacted Venezuelan contestant Ileana Marquez, a strong contender during the competition in Mexico.
Telemundo reported that the original query posed by judge Margaret Gardiner focused on the concept of the “perfect woman,” but the translation Marquez received shifted the topic to “experiences” or “moments,” significantly affecting her response. This translation blunder raised concerns that it may have influenced the judges’ final decision.
The incident sparked heated discussions online, as viewers debated whether it was a miscommunication from Marquez or a mistake by the translator. Many social media users accused the pageant of involving “sabotage” and “boycott,” suggesting that the translation error may have negatively impacted Miss Venezuela’s standings.
In an interview with La Divaza, Marquez expressed her frustration, saying, “The translator did not show up, and I insisted that I needed my translator to ensure that my message would be communicated clearly and powerfully worldwide.”
Miss Universe 2024 Results
- Victoria Kjaer Theilvig (Denmark) – Champion
- Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina (Nigeria) – First Runner-Up
- Maria Fernanda Beltran Figueroa (Mexico) – Second Runner-Up
- Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand) – Third Runner-Up
- Ileana Marquez Pedroza (Venezuela) – Fourth Runner-Up
