Washington (AFP)
Andrea Meza, Miss Mexico, was crowned Miss Universe on Sunday in the United States, at the end of a contest where Miss Burma denounced the coup d'état of the army in her country.
The 2020 edition of Miss Universe had been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Andrea Meza, 26, in a sparkling red evening gown, finished ahead of the Brazilian and Peruvian finalists, in a show hosted from Hollywood, Florida by Americans Mario Lopez and Olivia Culpo.
She beat more than 70 competitors to win this 69th Miss Universe title, and succeed the South African Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019. It is a panel of eight women who chose the winner.
Miss Burma, Thuzar Wint Lwin, took advantage of the competition to denounce the coup that overthrew former Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
"Our people are dying and being shot by the army every day," she said in her presentation video - before the final of the competition - with photos of her participating in the anti-junta demonstrations.
"Therefore, I would like to urge everyone to talk about Burma," added the young woman.
She won Thursday the prize for the most beautiful traditional costume: dressed in a beaded outfit, adorned with traditional Burmese motifs, she had held up a sign "Pray for Burma", in English.
At least 796 people have been killed by law enforcement in Burma since the February 1 coup, according to an NGO, and more than 3,800 people are detained.
Miss Singapore, Bernadette Belle Ong, also took advantage of the competition for the most beautiful traditional costume to denounce discrimination against Asians.
Dressed in a shimmering red bodysuit and matching thigh-high boots, she turned around, revealing the words "Stop Hate Against Asians" on her cape in the colors of the Singaporean flag.
“What good is this platform if I can't use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence?” She also wrote on Instagram, alongside photos of her outfit.
© 2021 AFP