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The 7 Faces of Toxicity in Pageantry: A Journalistic Editorial

Pageants once symbolized empowerment, cultural representation, and advocacy. Today, however, the spotlight often reveals a disheartening reality: a culture of toxicity that shadows crowns and stages. Here are the seven faces of toxicity in pageantry, illuminated by voices from within.

1. Cyberbullying and Online Bashing

Social media has become a battleground where grace is met with hate.

Following her victory as Miss Universe Philippines in Bb. Pilipinas 2015 (leading to her Miss Universe crown), Pia Wurtzbach encountered online criticism—some of it harsh, including remarks about her heritage and body—for instance, calling her “fat” or questioning her full-Filipino identity

She later acknowledged being affected by such negative comments, even though she tried not to take them to heart:

“Pero siyempre nakaka-affect … I try not to read anything online … minsan kasi naka-tag ako."

Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018, who experienced relentless online negativity, warns:

“So many use social media as a consequence-free way to attack, put down and degrade others... It is never okay to degrade someone to harass them in the name of sharing your opinion.”
And she reminds us: “WORDS HAVE POWER. To both put down and pull up. I hope we would choose the latter.”

2. Fan Wars and Toxic Fandom

Support should uplift—but too often devolves into rivalry. The Miss Universe Philippines organization issued a stark warning: they may take legal action against cyberbullying and toxic fan behavior, urging the public to “stop normalizing toxicity and cyberbullying on social media”

3. Unrealistic Beauty Standards

Despite strides toward inclusivity, conventional ideals still loom large. Siera Bearchell, Miss Universe Canada 2016, faced backlash for her curvier figure—yet defied expectations with strength:

When asked how it felt being “larger than the other delegates,” she simply said, “It feels great.”

4. Excessive Pressure on Candidates

Pageantry demands perfection in every moment—onstage and off. Mistakes become magnified, and authenticity is often sacrificed for flawless performance. While no specific quote addresses this directly, the pressure to maintain composure in all aspects is undeniable.

5. Politics and Favoritism

Allegations of rigged results undermine trust in the system. Sheena Monnin, Miss Pennsylvania USA 2012, resigned after publicly alleging the pageant was “rigged.” Her departure tragically escalated into legal threats—not because of dishonor, but due to the truth spoken against favoritism. R'Bonney Gabriel did not have a great reign as Miss USA and Miss Universe for being tagged as winning in a rigged way, her reign was not met with acceptance but full of negativity

6. Shaming of Backgrounds

Pageantry claims to celebrate diversity, yet contestants are often judged differently based on origin. Many from modest backgrounds are labeled “unpolished,” while wealthier contestants are branded “undeserving”—negating individual journeys and merit. Mutya Johanna Datul, a simple girl from Isabela, was mocked for her humble background. She was shamed for being “too simple,” for not fitting the glamorous stereotype of a beauty queen. Yet Mutya never wavered. With faith, determination, and authenticity, she defied expectations and became the first Filipina and Asian Miss Supranational in 2013, bringing honor to the country and proving that greatness knows no social class.
“They bashed her roots, questioned her loyalty, and mocked her journey — but Anna Lakrini answered with a crown as Miss Supranational 1st Runner-Up.”

7. Cancel Culture

Past missteps are resurfaced and weaponized—not forgiven. Growth and reflection are often discarded in favor of permanent condemnation.
Newly crowned Miss Grand Philippines 2025 is the focus of bullying for being a DDS which has nothing to do with her pageant journey but being highlighted by some fans, maybe of those who did not clinch the title.

Harnaaz Sandhu (Miss Universe 2021 – India, After winning, she was body-shamed online for gaining weight, with trolls saying she didn’t deserve her crown anymore. She bravely spoke out, saying she was dealing with health issues (celiac disease), and reminded people that queens are human too.

Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe 2019 – South Africa, At first, she was criticized for her short natural hair, with some claiming she didn’t “look like a Miss Universe.”. She turned the narrative around by using her reign to champion natural beauty and diversity.

Maxine Medina (Miss Universe Philippines 2016, She was heavily bashed for her English communication skills during Miss Universe 2016. Many netizens mocked her instead of supporting her, even though she still placed in the Top 6.

Ariadna Gutiérrez (Miss Colombia 2015), Infamously crowned by mistake before the crown was given to Pia Wurtzbach. She was subjected to global bashing, with some unfairly blaming her for the error.

Angela Ponce (Miss Universe Spain 2018, As the first openly transgender Miss Universe contestant, she was both celebrated and heavily bashed online. She faced hate campaigns questioning her identity, but she stood firm and became a symbol of inclusion.

Voices of Resilience

Rachel Gupta, Miss Grand International 2024, publicly renounced her title, speaking out about harassment, manipulation, neglect, and body-shaming she endured from the organization. Tearfully, she said:

“I was constantly harassed, manipulated, ignored and left to fend for myself… It made me feel so small and so bad.”
Rabiya Mateo, Miss Universe Philippines 2020, condemned the cyberbullying of fellow candidates, especially those facing racial and body-shaming:

“I do not tolerate bullying in all forms and in all ways… It’s been really toxic.”
She added that Pia Wurtzbach’s advice helped her navigate the toxicity:
“Don’t open your social media. Focus and protect your inner peace.”
Michelle Dee, Miss Universe Philippines 2023, affirmed her stance on the responsibility of titleholders:

“I do not tolerate cyberbullying or hate speech of any kind.”

Reclaiming Pageantry’s Promise

Pageants should uplift voices, celebrate diversity, and empower growth. The toxicity they now harbor—from cyberbullying and favoritism to unrealistic standards and cancel culture—threatens to degrade the very essence of empowerment they claim to represent.

Real change requires action:

Fans must choose empathy over attack.
Organizations must uphold accountability and fair treatment.
Media must spotlight substance over spectacle.

When voices like Catriona Gray’s remind us to “pull up” rather than pull down, and when Michelle Dee stands firm against cyberbullying, the path to redemption remains clear.

A crown should represent not survival—but triumph through dignity, resilience, and humanity.