Miss Universe 2020, held on 16th May 2021 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, was the center stage for multiple political statements as the contestants used their voice to send powerful messages.
At the national costume competition, which was held on 13th May 2021, Miss Universe Singapore 2020 Bernadette Ong, Miss Universe Myanmar 2020 Thuzar Wint Lwin and Miss Universe Uruguay 2020 Lola de los Santos made strong political statements through their attires.
Miss Universe Singapore 2020 Bernadette Belle Ong gained widespread attention after wearing a red sequined bodysuit made complete with a red and white cape to represent Singapore's flag. When she turned around, the words ‘STOP ASIAN HATE’ were revealed on it. Bernadette got the outfit made by Filipino designer Arwin Meriales in just two days and the designer then offered to get a message hand painted onto the back by Paulo Pilapil Espinosa.
Miss Universe Myanmar 2020 Thuzar Wint Lwin also used the stage to bring attention to the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar. She ended up winning the category after walking out in a traditional costume and revealing a scroll that read ‘Pray for Myanmar’. She has previously used her social media platforms to educate followers on what is taking place in Myanmar and posts photos of her own involvement in demonstrations against the military.
Interestingly, this was not what she had initially planned on wearing. She explained on Instagram that the piece represented the ‘strong and unstoppable spirit of a woman’. The most important element, it seemed, was the message she held up with it.
Miss Universe Uruguay 2020 Lola de los Santos Bicco wore a rainbow skirt in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Miss Universe Organization President Paula M. Shugart also talked about supporting women who use their voice at a platform such as Miss Universe. “This is a decision that they make on their own, I will never put anyone in a position of forcing anyone to make a statement. So obviously we want to make sure that whatever they do is well thought out and we will offer support. The only thing I require of our delegates in all of our system is to make sure that you’re educated on what you are speaking out against."