Drama erupted in the world of pageantry as Magalí Benejam, Miss Universe Argentina 2024, was stripped of her title following controversial comments she made during a YouTube interview. The 30-year-old beauty queen from Córdoba accused the prestigious competition of being rigged, claiming the results were predetermined.
Speaking with content creator King Lucho, Benejam alleged that judges displayed suspicious behavior during the announcement of the Top 5 finalists. “They started looking at each other as if to say, ‘This is not what we chose,’” she said, hinting the contest had been fixed “every year.”
Benejam, who placed 12th in the global competition, also took aim at her fellow contestants, including Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig, who won the crown, and Puerto Rico’s Jennifer Colón, who placed in the Top 12. Benejam speculated that Theilvig knew she would win, pointing out that she was surrounded by three security guards in the final days of the competition.
Adding fuel to the fire, Benejam criticized Colón for being unfriendly and wearing what she described as the “worst” gown of the night. “I spoke to her a couple of times, but the last few days she decided to stop talking to me,” she claimed, suggesting nerves played a role.
The Miss Universe Organization responded swiftly, announcing on January 2 that Benejam’s title had been revoked. “The Miss Universe Organization Announces the Withdrawal of the Miss Universe Argentina Title from Miss Magalí Benejam,” the official statement read.
The organization emphasized its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect, stating that Benejam’s comments were inconsistent with its core values. “This action is taken to protect the integrity of the organization and the opportunities it provides to women around the world,” the statement continued.
Despite losing her title, Benejam has yet to remove “Miss Universe Argentina 2024” from her Instagram bio. As the controversy unfolds, fans and critics alike are left debating the high stakes and ethics of the glamorous yet fiercely competitive world of beauty pageants.
