Why beauty queens get dethroned: Real reasons Miss Universe and Miss World take back glittering crowns

Dubai: Looking flawless in a gown, walking with grace while wearing vertiginous heels, and smiling through every 'What’s your biggest dream?' question and squeezing in that perfunctory 'I want world peace badly' answer — that’s the easy part.

But keeping that glittering diamond-encrusted crown on your head after winning the fiercely-contested beauty pageants? That’s where it gets a tad brutal.

As Miss England 2025 Miss Milla Magee recently called the Miss Universe Hyderabad edition “exploitative and toxic,” it’s worth reminding everyone: beauty pageants come with contracts that can yank your tiara faster than you can say 'world peace'.

Being graceful is expected. Staying in line? That’s survival.

Here’s what actually gets a queen dethroned — with real examples of real drama:

Miss Universe: Where contracts reign supreme

Skipping duties — Oxana Fedorova (Miss Universe 2002)
According to CBS News, Fedorova was the first Miss Universe to be dethroned for “failing to fulfill her obligations.” She skipped key appearances and was reportedly more interested in finishing her law degree than representing the crown.

2. Publicly dragging the pageant — Magalí Benejam (Miss Universe Argentina 2024)

As per an official Miss Universe Organisation press release, Benejam lost her title after calling the pageant “rigged” and publicly criticising fellow contestants — violating clauses around respect and brand alignment.

3. Breach of contract — Italy Mora (Miss Universe Panama 2024)

According to Hola USA, Italy Mora was removed for failing to comply with organisational rules — multiple times. The organisation cited “ongoing violations of contractual terms.”

4. Citizenship drama — Avianca Böhm (Miss New Zealand 2012)

Many reports claim Böhm was dethroned after it was discovered she was not a New Zealand citizen — a strict eligibility requirement for Miss Universe delegates.

5. Being uncooperative — Kristhielee Caride (Miss Puerto Rico 2016)
In an interview flagged by Hola!, Caride confessed she didn’t like facing cameras and later skipped major appearances. The pageant cited “non-professional behaviour” as grounds for removing her crown.

Miss World: Old-school glam, Strict rules

1. Being a mom — Veronika Didusenko (Miss Ukraine 2018)

According to BBC News, Didusenko was disqualified days after winning when organisers learned she had a child — violating Miss World’s impossibly archaic “no mothers, no married women” policy.

2. Not fulfilling duties — Marjorie Wallace (Miss World 1973)
Wallace was reportedly dismissed just three months into her reign for “failing to fulfill the basic requirements of the job.” Translation: too many parties, not enough diplomacy.

3. Scandalous photos — Gabriella Brum (Miss World 1980)

Brum resigned just 18 hours after her coronation amid rumors she had posed nude for a magazine — an image clash Miss World didn’t want to manage.

The official no-go list: Grounds for dethronement

• Lying about age, marital status, or citizenship

• Making controversial public comments

• Missing appearances or media interviews

• Violating morality or brand conduct clauses

• Engaging in unprofessional or disruptive behavior

The verdict: Be pretty, but play by the rules

Poise gets you through the door. But keeping the crown? That takes discipline, diplomacy, and knowing exactly what you signed up for. Pageants aren’t just about looks — they’re about contracts, codes of conduct, and constant scrutiny.

So the next time someone calls the pageant world “toxic,” remember this: if you don’t follow the rules, that crown isn’t yours — it’s theirs to take back.