R’Bonney Gabriel, a Filipino-American fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas, won the Miss Universe competition on Saturday night in New Orleans. She beat out 83 other contestants and was visibly emotional when her name was announced. She closed her eyes and clasped hands with runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the dramatic reveal of the winner, then beamed after her name was announced.
R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss USA on October 3rd, 2022. However, shortly after her win, other contestants accused the pageant of being rigged and the winner predetermined. The Miss Universe Organization then suspended the organizers of the Miss USA pageant, Miss Brand Corp, due to these allegations. As a result, in the Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu, who had gained weight since winning the crown and had been facing criticism on social media, had to give up her crown and take the stage one last time with visible emotion. The crowning ceremony was accompanied by thumping music and Gabriel was given a bouquet of flowers, a sash and a tiara on stage.
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